Ajman: Sweden’s Henric Sturehed claimed a massive nine-shot victory to win the Mena Tour Championship at Al Zorah Golf Club in Ajman on Thursday, while England’s Jamie Elson wrapped up the Order of Merit.

Seven shots in front overnight, Sturehed, who shot a course-record 63 in the second round, closed with a 69 to finish on 21 under par to win his first event on tour, propelling him up to a second place in the Order of Merit standings.

Jake Shepherd, a two-time winner on tour, went bogey-free in his final round to card six-under 66 to finish second at 12 under, two clear of fellow Englishmen Andrew Marshall and Adam Sagar.

Elson returned a level-par 72 to join fellow Englishmen Joe Heraty and Luke Joy in a three-way tie for fifth on nine-under and that was good enough for him to seal the Order of Merit ahead of Sturehed.

England’s Todd Clements also carded a 68 to win the amateur division on five-under for the sixth event in a row, to pick up the amateur Order of Merit, with Sam Hobday coming second.

“I’m absolutely delighted with my first win on the Mena Tour,” said Sturehed. “It was nice to string together all four rounds under par and finally get the job done after being in contention for a couple of times.

“I felt really comfortable out there, like I was in control of my game. It was my first season on the Mena Tour and I really enjoyed the whole experience. There are many good players out there and it was fun competing with them.

“I have made many new good friends and hope to return next year,” he added.

Meanwhile, England’s Ben Amor, tied for 28th overnight at two-over, fired a 64 to make the biggest move in the final round, finishing tied eighth on six-under. Nine birdies and a bogey highlighted his day’s best round.

The top three professionals on the Order of Merit and the leading amateur will now be invited to compete in the 2018 Omega Dubai Desert Classic in addition to earning full playing privileges on the Sunshine Tour and exemptions into the Final Stage of the Asian Tour Q-School.

Players, ranked between 6 and 15, will be also be exempt into the final stage of the Sunshine Tour’s Qualifying School.