Golf

Tom McKibbin finishes tied for ninth at Qatar Masters in Doha

Tom McKibbin carded a final round of 70 in Doha
Tom McKibbin carded a final round of 70 in Doha

Tom McKibbin posted a final round of 70 for a top-10 finish at the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters in Doha.

The Holywood man had surged up the leaderboard with a 65 on Saturday and, although he never looked like threatening those at the top of the leaderboard on Sunday, a steady two-under round was enough to see him finish tied for ninth on 13 under par. 

Sami Valimaki overcame former champion Jorge Campillo in a play-off to win and wrap up his DP World Tour card for next season with a final-round 69.

Trailing third-round leader Campillo all afternoon, Finland's Valimaki finally hit the front at the 17th courtesy of a seven-foot birdie putt.

But the pendulum swung back 2020 winner Campillo's way as the Spaniard birdied the last to join his playing partner on 18 under par and take the contest to extra holes.

Valimaki only needed one play-off hole to seal victory, as a nerveless birdie putt earned him a second DP World Tour title.

Scotland's Jamieson continued his love affair with the back nine at Doha Golf Club, carding five birdies after the turn to finish in a tie for third and move from 119th to 82nd on the season-long rankings to finish comfortably inside the top 116 and retain his playing privileges.

That came just a day after he made eight birdies in his final 10 holes in round three to storm into contention.

England's Ross Fisher finished in the final spot above the line - 116th - after signing for a closing 69 on Sunday.

An emotional Valimaki was thrilled with his victory, saying: "Unbelievable. It's hard to talk. It's been a long journey and it feels great."