Pepperell seals title in Qatar

England’s Eddie Pepperell held off a challenge from compatriot Oliver Fisher to claim his first European Tour title in the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters.

Pepperell carded a 70 in Doha to finish 18-under-par and a shot ahead of Fisher, who missed from 10ft for birdie on the last to force a play-off.

A relieved Pepperell said: “I need a glass of wine and more than that I think! What a day.

“Oli made it really tough and I made it tough for myself at the end there with the second shot on 18.

“I felt good all day, I was in a great place mentally and kept telling myself I’m going to win this and Oli certainly made life more interesting.

“Relief I guess is the number one emotion, as is always the case with a win – although I haven’t had many.

“I guess it will give me that confidence.

“I’ve always believed I would win out here but it hadn’t happened before today.

“You have to take that step and it’s not easy but hopefully this is not my last.”

Pepperell, who began working with a new coach, held a three-shot lead after his second birdie of the day on the 10th, but enjoyed a major stroke of luck when his approach to the 12th bounced off the rocks short of the green and allowed him to save par.

Sweden’s Marcus Kinhult carded a closing 68 to finish third on 16-under, with Renato Paratore, Pablo Larrazabal, Gonzalo FernandezCastano and Gregory Havret all a shot further back.

Eddie Pepperell.