Dubai: Vikash Nihalani scored an impressive 41 points to claim one of the most prestigious titles on Emirates Golf Club's calendar - the annual Chairman's Cup, played on the Majlis Course.
Nihalani belied his 23 handicap to return a card that featured five net birdies, two net eagles and an astonishing net albatross at the tough 8th hole.
Despite not managing to return a score on two holes, Nihalani's 41 points saw him claim victory by two clear shots from promising junior talent Jae Jun Hong.
Hong put a lacklustre back-9 behind him to shoot 3-under on the back-9, his level par 72 giving him 39 stableford points and the runners-up prize.
Defending champion, Alan Davidson all but gave his title away, when, needing a par on the 18th hole, he made double-bogey to slip down to third place, which was only secured by countback from Kevin Roy, David Watt and Ed Hesson, all of them finishing on 38.
The latter secured the honours in 'A' Division thanks to a strong finish with Watt collecting second place. Kevin Roy's consolation was the top prize in 'B' Division, just edging Andy Hendry, who, despite an awesome back-9 came up one point short and was left to rue some missed opportunities on the outward nine.
Meanwhile, Defending champions Abu Dhabi Golf Club by Sheraton and Emirates Golf Club produced impressive performances to consolidate their positions in the Scratch Amateur League, organised by the UAE Golf Association, at Al Ghazal Golf Club in Abu Dhabi. Emirates Golf Club (EGC) won six points against the combined team of Dubai Country Club and Sharjah Wanderers Golf Club while Abu Dhabi Golf Club by Sheraton (ADGCS) were equally solid against Al Ghazal Golf Club (AGGC), also winning six points.
Arabian Ranches Golf Club and Nad Al Sheba Club shared honours, winning three points each from their keenly-contested encounter.
Scores
Scratch Amateur League: AGGC 0 ADGCS 6: Rene Valencia and Colin Reynolds v Alex Charawani and Hany Abdelnour 7/5; Jonathan Jefrey Jr and Shaughn Whyte v Mike Massie and John Wheatland 1 up; Tony Martin and David Moore v Ron Ferguson and Sid Tayor 1 up; Normal Galloway and Richard Whiteside v S.S. Son and Andy Schumpp 3/2.
EGC 6 SWGC/DCC 0: Lou Elliott and Charley Stricklin 5/4 Tonny Kettlewell and Doug Cameron; Dave Wall and Paddy McGrath 1 up Stewart Cranston and Grand Douglas; Matthew Turner and Sean Thornberry 3/2 Malcolm Tennant and Peter Kristensson; Jim Carrigy and Davide Ashcroft 3/2 Euan Smylie and Steve Higson.
ARGC 3 NAS 3: Tony Hutchinson and Kevin O'Connell v Tony Azoulay and Geroge Liu 4/3; John Mills and Charlie Grant 2/1 Davide Gowans and Sean Casey; Keith Evans and Trevor Varri v Ishwar Jodha and Karan Singh 3/1; Ian Lachlan and Rai Legnar 3/2 Clary Burns and Bill Watts.
League table after Match Four: Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club 17 points; Emirates Golf Club 15; Abu Dhabi Golf Club by Sheraton 11; Dubai Country Club/Sharjah Wanderers Golf Club 10.5; Montgomerie Dubai 6.5; Arabian Ranches Golf Club 6.5; Nad Al Sheba Club 4.5; Arabian Ranches Golf Club one.
