Bangkok--12 Nov--Thana Burin Asia Pacific
Victor Dubuisson displayed the composure of a seasoned champion to fight off competition from a host of the world’s best players and win his maiden European Tour title at the 2013 Turkish Airlines Open by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
Dubuisson, who lead by five shots at the beginning of the day, overcame a steady start to make three birdies in his last four holes and card a 69, claiming a two-shot victory at the Montgomerie Maxx Royal course in Belek on an impressive 23 under par.
It brought the curtain down on a stunning debut for the US $7 million tournament — the penultimate event in the 2013 Race to Dubai’s Final Series — thanks to a combination of world-class golf, passionate crowds and beautiful weather.
Jamie Donaldson closed with a stunning 63 to finish second. The highlight of his round was undoubtedly a magnificent hole in one at the par-three 16th — a shot which earns him one million air miles with title sponsor, Turkish Airlines.
Justin Rose and Tiger Woods closed with rounds of 65 and 67 respectively to tie for third on 20 under, while Ian Poulter (69) shared fifth on 19 under.
“I wanted to cry on the 18th green,” said Dubuisson, the 23-year-old Frenchman, who could move into the top 40 when the new Official World Golf Ranking is announced next week.
“I don’t really know what is happening right now because I’ve been concentrating and focusing on my game. I am so happy. The start was a little bit difficult for me. I was not hitting the ball well and didn’t make any putts for birdie on the front nine. I was watching the leader board and seeing all the good players coming back to me. I tried to play my game and I had this incredible putt on 17.”