Saif Thabet fired a career and tournament best to win UAE President’s Cup again at Yas Links Abu Dhabi.
Thabet triumphed by an impressive eight strokes with a round of 73 and career best 67 (5-under-par), scoring a competition record 140 at the weekend.
Following his heroic performance, he said the victory will give him a lot of confidence going into the rest of the season.
“To win this event twice under the patronage of His Highness Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan is a big honour,” he said.
“Having my name carved on the trophy and to go down in UAE golf history for firing the lowest score at this event means a lot to me. My hard work is paying off and by shooting my lowest round of my career is proof of that. I knew I was mentally and physically prepared. I think the turning point was when I got three birdies in a row during my second round on 11, 12, and 13.”
He added: “Moving forward I am going to get back to the driving range and gym and continue to work on my game. I will better my game through the EGF Order of Merit in prep for National Team events. I also have my eye on making a spot on the amateur Dubai Trophy Team. I look forward to continue to represent my country locally and internationally.”
For Ahmed Skaik, he had to settle for second spot after his 148, while Hassan Al Musharrekh finished third place with a total of 157.
The event also presented players with the chance to win Net Prizes. The overall Net Winner was Abdulla Al Musharrekh with a net total of 144. The Best Net for Day One award went to Abdul Rahman Al Laggiti with a round one 62 net score, and Best Net for Day Two went to Adel Zarouni with a 66 net score.
In the ladies competition, Reema Al Heloo was crowned champion for the second year in a row after firing 167 gross score for 23-over-par.
The Ladies Overall Net winner was Eida Al Muhairbi with a net score of 146 2-over-(net)-par.
Walking away with the 2018 Junior Division title was Obaid Al Heloo, who shot 177 to claim his first ever UAE Presidents Cup victory.
He finished ahead of runner-up was Rashid Al Emadi who was three shots adrift, while the Best Junior Net prize went to Khaled Al Mutawa with a net score of 178.
In efforts to develop the game of golf within the national community the competition, sponsored by HSBC also hosted a Par 3 Championship on the Yas Links challenging Academy Course.
Eighteen members of the EGF Foundation Squad, between the ages of 8 and 15, competed in a 9-hole championship with Rashid Al Jassmy winning the event after edging his brother and runner-up Sultan Al Jassmy. Saad Al Zarouni won third place.
