Li wins Qatar Masters with dramatic birdie on final hole

2 weeks ago 7

Haotong Li drained a birdie at the last hole to clinch his fourth European Tour title at the Qatar Masters.

Li holed his birdie putt on the 18th from 15 feet to secure a one-shot win on Sunday at Doha Golf Club.

The No 300-ranked Chinese golfer let out a loud roar, pumped both fists and wept in the arms of his caddie after his winning putt.

It denied Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen of Denmark a playoff.

Li, the overnight leader, shot 3-under 69 in the final round to finish on 16-under par for the week, while Neergaard-Petersen posted 65. He was level with the leader when Li was playing the last hole only to finish one shot back at 15 under.

Li had taken a two-shot lead into the final round and stretched his advantage to four following a birdie-birdie start on Sunday.

But this bid for his fourth DP World Tour title hit a sticky patch as he was caught and then overtaken at the top by a charging Neergaard-Petersen on the back nine.

With nothing to separate the pair as Li made his way down the 18th, he knew a closing birdie would be enough to get his hands on the trophy.

However, his approach landed in the bunker and he could only send his recovery shot to 15 feet.

But he showed nerves of steel as he drained the birdie putt to enter the winner's circle for the first time since the 2022 BMW International Open, where he also made a long putt to win.

Neergaard-Petersen was alone in second place, two shots clear of England's Brandon Robinson Thompson, who finished third on 13 under after his final-round 70.

"It means a lot. I never thought I could come back in this position," said Li. "Even after yesterday, I felt like this morning was really stressed.

"I'm just so pleased I made that putt on the last. I'm just very glad I closed out nicely.

"I'm guaranteed to celebrate this one nicely. Definitely going to enjoy that."

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