TNN/Agencies
Doha
Japan’s Rikuya Hoshino sunk two birdies on his final three holes to win the Qatar Masters and claim his first DP World Tour title by a single stroke ahead of France’s Ugo Coussaud at the Doha Golf Club on Sunday.
Following a remarkable tournament, Commercial Bank’s Board Member, HE Abdul Rahman bin Hamad Al Attiyah, and Commercial Bank’s Group CEO, Joseph Abraham presented the Mother of Pearl trophy to the winner of this year’s tournament, Rikuya Hoshino. He was also awarded with a financial award of US$425,000.
For the past 19 years, Commercial Bank has aimed to set the stage for what is known to be an annual groundbreaking event. And to make it even more impactful this year, it chose a theme close to heart, Artificial Intelligence. This concept is no stranger to the Bank as it has introduced a myriad of financial solutions that changed the course of the banking industry in Qatar. Players and attendees got to experience firsthand how Commercial Bank has been harnessing the power of technology and the key role it has been playing in keeping the nation’s financial landscape one step ahead on a global scale.
Joseph Abraham, Group CEO of Commercial Bank, said: “As we continue our sponsorship of the premier European tour golf event, the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters, spanning over the past 19 years, we strategically align with Qatar’s Vision to be a global sports hub and host for significant international sporting events. As players and participants gathered from around the world, I extend my congratulations to the winners and thanks for all the players, officials and fans for their participation. We are delighted to have concluded yet another successful and remarkable tournament.”
Hussein Al Abdullah, EGM, Marketing and Alternative Assets at Commercial Bank said: “Commercial Bank Qatar Masters stands as one of Qatar’s most beloved annual sporting events, catering to players, golf enthusiasts, and families. Beyond its sporting allure, the event aligns seamlessly with our strategic vision, showcasing Qatar as a pivotal player in the sports industry. Moreover, it serves as a significant avenue for us to emphasize our commitment to digital transformation for a cashless society, driven by substantial investments in artificial intelligence, contributing to the realization of Qatar Vision 2030. As we collaborate once again with the QGA, QOC, and Doha Golf Club to organize this premier golfing event, we recognize it as an excellent opportunity for individuals to experience not only the excitement of the tournament but also the chance to explore Commercial Bank’s digital offerings in a networking environment during the event.”
Hoshino, who was in a three-way tie for the lead going into the final day, carded a four-under-par 68 to finish on 14-under overall, a shot ahead of Coussaud and two ahead of Scotland’s Scott Jamieson in third place.
The 27-year-old made a nervy start, mixing two bogeys with three birdies on the front nine but rediscovered his touch after the turn, with a birdie on the 10th and consecutive birdies on the 16th and 17th holes to claim the $425,000 top prize.
“I’m honoured to win at this wonderful tournament,” Hoshino said. “Of course I was nervous but I just tried to keep enjoying it.” Hoshino, who becomes the fourth Japanese to win a DP World Tour title after Isao Aoki, Hideki Matsuyama and Ryo Hisatsune, was tied with Denmark’s Rasmus Hojgaard and Coussaud on 10-under heading into the final round.
Hojgaard dropped off the pace early, with bogeys on the first and fourth and another after the turn seeing him sign for a one-over-par 73 in his closing round and end in a three-way tie for sixth place.
Jamieson was the day’s big mover, charging up 15 places in the standings with six birdies and an eagle, offset by a single bogey to sign for a seven-under par 65 and 12-under overall.
Northern Ireland’s Tom McKibbin also secured his first top-10 finish of the season. McKibbin started the final round just one shot off the lead but could only manage a closing two-under 70, making birdie on the two par-fives on the back nine.
The 21-year-old Holywood Golf Club member takes home a cheque for €116,000, taking his earnings this season on the DP World Tour over €300,000.
