Connolly takes title

Dubai Creek's Ben Connolly took the Pepsi Par 3 on Tuesday evening in style from stablemate Rashid Al Abbar.

After starting the evening with only two points between them the first round matches went in favor of Connolly. He beat Christopher Davis (DCGYC) 2up while Al Abbar lost to 2001 Champion Kabir Seth 2 down.

There was a six point ifference between them as they faced each other in the final round. The six point difference meant Al Abbar needed to beat Connolly 3 up for a playoff or by more to win.

It seemed a tall order but after a birdie on the second, a sensational up and down on the third and a three putt from the Irishman on the fifth Al Abbar found himself 2up, and in with a chance of catching him.

However Connolly remained cool playing some scintillating golf under pressure to eventually turn the match 1 up in his favour.

Faris Al Mazrui made it two for UAE Nationals by taking third place for the second time in a row. Salem Al Mazroei finished bottom on -21 and is relegated to division 2.

The final leading places of Division One: Ben Connolly (DCGYC) +24; Rashid Al Abbar (DCGYC) +16; Faris Al Mazrui (ADGCS) +8; Rowan Baker (DCGYC) +3; Kunwar Khehar (EGC) +2 Simon Jones (DCGYC) +1

The final placings of the Pepsi Par 3 League division 1 & 2 are now converted into Order of Merit points. Details of this will be released in next weeks press.

The UGA Junior Development Programme is supported by the following corporate patrons- Callaway Golf, EMAAR Properties, Pepsi, Dubai Duty Free, National Bank of Dubai, Dubai World Trade Center, Dubai Golf, Bafco and Byrne.

For further details and information please contact tel. 04 2956 440, fax 04 2956 026, and for up to date press releases, results, Orders of Merits and calendars visit our Website at www.ugagolf.com