In-form Grace grabs glory in Doha

Branden Grace - cropped

Branden Grace finished with a flourish in Doha to edge out Marc Warren and claim his second European Tour victory in as many months at the Qatar Masters.

The 26-year-old South African came home in 31 strokes, with the aid of a stunning eagle two at the driveable par-four 16th, to complete a faultless 66 on Saturday and finish one clear of Warren, who also ended his round strongly courtesy of four birdies in the final six holes.

Grace now boasts two wins from four starts this season, having also triumphed at the Alfred Dunhill Championship six weeks ago.

His other four European Tour titles were all secured in 2012 and Grace now appears to have recaptured the consistent form he produced during that campaign.

Speaking as he was presented with his latest trophy, Grace said: "The last couple of years were a little bit tough but I'm back to good form.

"It was a great day. It was a great week and it's another great trophy to put in the cupboard.

"Obviously starting off with a win at Leopard Creek [the venue for the Alfred Dunhill Championship] was great. The form has been there and I managed to come out on top.

"I think I might get in to the top 50 [of the world rankings] so that's a game-changer again."

A play-off appeared likely heading into the back nine at Doha Golf Club on Saturday, with a host of players bunched together near the top of the leaderboard.

However, Grace - one of four overnight leaders together with Warren, Emiliano Grillo and Bernd Wiesberger - made a decisive move on the 16th to put distance between himself and the rest of the field.

A magnificent drive left Grace with a five-foot putt for eagle, which he rolled in to reach 18 under before finding another birdie at the last.

Warren picked up shots at 16 and 17 to move alongside Grace, but could not match his rival's score on the final hole and had to settle for second.

Wiesberger finished a further shot back, with Eddie Pepperell fourth at 16 under and Grillo sharing fifth with Gregory Bourdy and An Byeong-hun, who each went round in 65.

Alejandro Canizares began the final round seeking to become the first man in 20 years to complete an entire European Tour event without making a bogey.

However, the Spaniard dropped his first shot of the week at the third and made another bogey at 17 before finishing eighth on 14 under.

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