WILLIAMS RETAINS QATAR TITLE
18th January 2010

Max Williams (Photo Tom Ward)

Max Williams, 19, from Surrey retained the 54-hole Qatar Amateur Championship at Doha Golf Club for the second year but needed a sudden death playoff to do it.

This time the Cuddington player (photo © Tom Ward) beat Surrey colleague Alex Christie, 24, after the pair had finished tied on 219, three over par.

A year ago over the same course, Williams beat 22-year-old Steven Brown in extra time to lift the title. This time Brown from Wentworth finished third on 224 in what was a virtual Surrey takeover.

"I am delighted to have successfully defended the title in Doha," said Williams. "The course played well and the weather was perfect."

Not that a Williams victory looked likely after the first round in which he shot 80 to trail seven shots off the pace. But a second round 71 followed by a brilliant closing 68 saw Williams catch Tyrrells Wood-based Christie, who fired three rounds of 73.

Apart from the title and the trophy, Williams also gets an invitation to the Qatar Masters European Tour event, starting on 28th January, for the second year running.
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