Varkey, Grenet, Ingram emerge champions

DUBAI — Dino Varkey, Sandra Grenet and Findlay Ingram were crowned UGA Scratch Matchplay champions in their respective divisions at the Nad Al Sheba Club yesterday. Playing under the blazing sun, trio needed to produce some solid golf to overcome a tough challenge in the semifinals and finals and end the season on a high.

By A Correspondent

Published: Sat 13 May 2006, 11:40 AM

Last updated: Sat 4 Apr 2015, 7:39 PM

In the men's semifinals, Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club's Varkey scored a brilliant 4&3 victory over hit-hitting Alex Charawani of Abu Dhabi Golf Club by Sheraton while Montgomerie Dubai's Steve Kelly defeated Sharam Shamsaee (DCGYC) 2&1.

Second seed Varkey, fresh from his impressive showing in the Belle Mare Plage Challenge, held his nerve when it mattered most to beat Kelly 5&4 for one of his best victories of his career.

The proceedings in the women's division turned out to a dramatic affair with 11th seed Sandra Grenet using her home course knowledge to a great effect to upset some big names in the field.

Sandra first defeated eighth seed Ashley Anderson of Arabian Ranches Club 5&4 and then produced another stunning performance in the final when he got better of seasoned Angela Scurr of Al Ghazal Club, winning the title match 3&1 for probably her career's biggest win.

Scurr had earlier defeated Jenny Schumpp of Abu Dhabi Golf Club by Sheraton 5&4 to make it to the final.

The script, however, remained unchanged in the junior division with top seed Findlay Ingram defeating second seed Calum Mills 6&4 in the all-Arabian Ranches Golf Club final.

Earlier in the semifinals, Ingram beat Sean Thornberry of Emirates Golf Club 7&5 while Mills sweated it out against Husni Musa of Abu Dhabi Golf and Equestrian Club before winning the tense match 1-up.