Dubai: Julieta Granada will tell you now that she wasn't nervous heading into this year's season-ending Omega Dubai Ladies Masters, but at 83rd on the money-list the Paraguayan had to break into the top 80 to secure her Ladies European Tour card for next season.
But at tied for seventh, nine under par 281 (68, 71, 70, 72) sharing €13,750 (Dh65,896) with Alison Walshe, Granada's last hoorah ended favourably with her in need of a top-50 finish to end the season inside the money-list top-80.
With just one top ten finish from five appearances in Europe this season, form definitely wasn't in her favour and the dreaded return to qualifying school loomed.
Sixth appearance
Granada, 25, who has three wins, one from the LPGA, since turning pro in 2005, said: "I was never really in fear of my card. Technically I just had to come over here and play the event for my sixth appearance to keep it.
"I wanted to keep my card over here because I want to play wherever I want. I think it's good to complement the LPGA with a few over here as well.
"I made a slow start in Europe this season and didn't make any money in Australia, so had to come back strong in the last four. But there was never really any pressure.
"I knew I had the card, I pretty much had to just show up here. I'm pretty happy with my game, I knew if I showed up I'd have to be a little smart and get around the course, which I knew and had experience on.
"I started really well in the last three rounds but had it a little rough on the last. I started with two birdies, then a double and two more bogeys, so it was good to finish level par and come back after a rough start.
"Next year I'm going to play mostly LPGA again and try to get back in the winner's circle, work on a few things and progress on the last two years and hope next year will be a real good one."
