Quiros Aces Dubai Desert Classic


A hole-in-one spurred Spain's Alvaro Quiros to a victory in the Dubai Desert Classic. The 28-year-old from Cadiz closed with a 4-under 68 to beat a field that included the top three players in the World Golf Rankings.

Quiros ended up with a total of 11-under 277, good enough for a one-shot win over Denmark's Anders Hansen (70) and James Kingston of South Africa (68).

The Spaniard's colorful scorecard included an eagle two on the par-4 second hole, four birdies, a bogey, a triple-bogey on the par-4 eighth and the ace on No. 11.

"The start was perfect with the eagle on two, but I was shaken after the eighth," Quiros told the European Tour website. "I was lucky with some putts around the turn and then a three-quarters wedge on the 11th - it was a perfect shot - once a year it happens."

Starting the final round a shot back in a four-way tie, No. 3-rankedTiger Woods stumbled to a 3-over 75. He ended up at 4-under 284 and tied for 20th. "Very frustrating," Woods said of his round. "I got off to such a poor start - I was two-over through three early and just couldn't make it up from there.

"But there were quite a few positives this week. Also a couple of glaring examples of what I need to work on, which is good. I'll go to work next week," he said.

No. 1-ranked Lee Westwood carded a 72 on Sunday at Emirates Golf Club's Majlis Course. The Brit ended up tied for 15th at 283.

Second-ranked Martin Kaymer of Germany closed with a 2-under 70 for a 286 total and a T-31 finish.

Tied for fourth at 9-under were France's Jean-Baptiste Gonnet (70), Scott Strange (68) of Australia and Alvaro Velasco of Spain (70).

In addition to the hole-in-one that propelled him past Hansen down the stretch, the long-hitting Quiros was pleased with how he responded to the pressure. "In my case, I want to think I managed the difficult situations well today," he said.

"I thought after having the great start, I'm going to have a chance. After watching that no one was moving, I thought you have to keep going the same way."

Quiros' hole-in-one was the fourth of the week. Raphael Jacquelin, David Howell and Keith Horne also had aces this week in Dubai.

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