Dubai: Thomas Pieters’ Czech Masters victory ensures he’s in the mix for a place at the season-ending DP World Tour Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai from November 19-22.
The 23-year-old Belgian moved up from 74th in the Race to Dubai standings to 53rd after his three-stroke win over Sweden’s Pelle Edberg on Sunday. It was his first victory on the European Tour since earning his card in 2013 and he now has a great chance of finishing top 60 thus qualifying for the season finale.
“It’s great to get a victory so early in my career,” said Pieters, who claimed a €166,660 (Dh689,387) winner’s cheque for the win. “There are so many players out here that maybe haven’t won, or who have just won once, so I am really happy right now. I’m happy to have my family with me and I’m very proud of the way I played.”
Pieters finished the tournament on 20 under par 268 at the Albatross Golf Resort after seeing off competition from Edberg and England’s Matthew Fitzpatrick.
Edberg’s second-place finish earned him 111,110 points which moves him up to 67th place from 94th in the Race to Dubai. Meanwhile, third-placed Fitzpatrick, who is placed 37th in the Race to Dubai, has now secured his place in the finale with this his fifth top ten finish of the season.
The top-30 in the overall rankings remain unaltered after this latest event. Rory McIlroy still leads the way ahead of England’s Danny Willett.
Admission to the DP World Tour Championship is free but tickets must be obtained via online registration at www.DPWorldTourChampionship.com. Registrants will also be placed in a prize draw with the chance to win a VIP Hospitality package for the Championship Chalet.
