UAE PGA Order Of Merit: Bell Chimes In

Graeme Bell used his home advantage to great effect as he returned a four-under par 68 to win the fourth UAE PGA Order of Merit 2007-08 event, sponsored by Al Naboodah, IHP and Rotana Hotels at Four Seasons Golf Club.

Resident pro Bell opened with four consecutive threes in a round that contained six birdies to take the honours by a single shot from Malcolm Young (Arabian Ranches).

A delighted Bell said: "My putting has improved a great deal and I've been working really hard on my game. I'm very happy to win at my home course."

Young was delighted with his effort for second place. "Having only arrived in Dubai recently, the round was very steady," he said. "I holed a good strong birdie putt at the ninth to get me under par and I finished with three birdies in the last five holes.

"A strong shot into the par-five 18th set up a good eagle chance which I narrowly missed to get into a play-off. That would have been a perfect start."

Three other pros in the 23-man field managed to return cards under par on the superbly manicured Al Badia layout. Dubai Creek professional Stephen Hubner said: "It's in the best condition I've ever seen it. Most of the players are talking about how good it is."

Julius Pohjola (Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa) continued his consistent run with a 71 to share third with David Gray (Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club) and Greg Holmes (Inspired Trading). Pohjola has now amassed 225 Merit Table points from just three events and lies second in the standings behind Simon Payne (Dubai Country Club), who is on 260 points. Bell lies third on 215 following his victory.