Serghini aims to pull off a win

The leading Moroccan professional flirted with success in last week’s Royal D’Anfa Open, but missed out on sealing an elusive victory when he lost to England’s Joshua White by one shot despite leading by four strokes with four holes to play on the final day.

“It was nice while it lasted, but I am getting close, very close. I think it is just a matter of time before my time comes. The door will open sooner or later,” said Serghini, who also settled for second place in the 2013 Mena Golf Tour Championship in Al Ain after leading by five shots overnight.

Learning from each of his near misses, Serghini has become the kind of player who can be counted on to contend week-in, week-out. “I have made some swing changes, which are working. More importantly, I have the self-belief in my game which is the key,” said the Moroccan, who will join a strong field led by defending champion Zane Scotland, who will be making a run at his seventh title on the tour.

In Mohammedia, Serghini, Marjan and Amine Joudar shared the $3,000 purse after finishing among top three in that order with Serghini receiving an additional $1,500 on top of the overall runner-up cheque of $6,000.

England’s James Allan emerged as the runaway winner on a one-under 215 in the amateur division at the Royal D’Anfa Open with Morocco’s Mohamed Khallali taking second on a six-over 222.