O'Meara triumphs in Desert Classic
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| Mark O'Meara, after a victory drought of nearly six years, played a solid
final round of 69 to win the Dubai Desert Classic with a 17 under par total of 271, one
shot clear of closest rival, Paul McGinley. The pair had been grouped together throughout
the tournament and began their domination on day two when the Irishman, McGinley finished
with a one shot lead over American, O'Meara. |
Mark O'Meara.
Photo - Getty Images
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Paul McGinley.
Photo - Getty Images
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They shared the lead on 14 under going into the final round but O'Meara's
solid play gave him the edge in the end. At the par 5, 18th hole McGinley found the green
in two strokes but couldn't quite make the eagle putt he needed to force a playoff.
O'Meara missed his birdie putt but par was enough to secure victory. |
| Third place was shared by David Howell of England and South Africa's Ernie
Els a further 3 strokes off the pace. Howell was close behind the leading pair throughout
the tournament having put in a 5 under par 67 on the first day. He matched that score on
the final day and was joined on the 13 under total of 275 by Ernie Els who put in a late
run with a last day score of 65. |
David Howell.
Photo - Getty Images
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Ernie Els.
Photo - Getty Images
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Tiger Woods, with a 4-round total of 276 (70-69-69-68), made it 5 out of 5
top-ten finishes this year by taking a share of fifth place with Brian Davis, Marcel Siem
and Thongchai Jaidee who have all also won tournaments already in 2004. |
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