SHARJAH: Staying focused on his prime goal of qualifying for the 2019 HSBC Abu Dhabi Golf Championship, the UAE’s rising talent Saif Bin Thabet landed his career’s second Presidents Cup crown at the Yas Links in Abu Dhabi on Saturday.

En route to victory in the sixth edition of the tournament, Thabet also set the record for day’s low score to win the prestigious title. Scripting history at Yas Links, he became the first Emirati player to register the record low score.

One of the top-ranked amateurs, Thabet, who resembles World Number 9 Sergio Garcia, had to battle competition from 82 players entered in the main event, making it the largest UAE Presidents Cup since the competion’s launch in 2013.

After round one of the tourney on Friday, there was a three-way tie between Thabet, Ahmed Skaik and Ahmed Al Musharrekh.

Holding his nerve, Thabet outlasted Skaik to emerge winner. Musharrekh finished third.

Life’s best moment

Terming the win as the best moment of his life, the Emirati said: “I will always cherish these moments as after winning in 2014 and I am holding trophy again.

Conditions were hard but I stayed clam and kept my nerves under control.”

Thabet, who has also completed national service, trains three hours a day after finishing his job

“All the hard work I put in for the event finally paid off and I am happy to see my name inscripted on the Presidents Cup,” he added.

The next challenge for him will be the Dubai Trophy and GCC Championships.

Sheikh Nahyan hailed

He hailed the support of Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance, for the sports events.

The field was strong in all three divisions (men’s, ladies, and juniors) of the two-day event.

Thabet also lauded the efforts of the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF), which organised the tournament in association with HSBC for the sixth year.

HSBC along with Abu Dhabi Sports Council is on the right track with impressive golf events like the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship and worldwide influence on junior golf programmes.

Khalid Mubarak Al Shamsi, EGF Secretary-General, said: “It’s always great to work with HSBC and their knowledgeable events management staff. With the continued support from HSBC, we are seeing this event grow year after year.

“The EGF has added a Par 3 Championship that gave our Foundation Squad the opportunity to showcase their skills while bringing the young and old generations together. Building the national golf community is a goal for both the EGF and HSBC. This event is proof that both are reaching that goal.”