Francis wins Dubai Duty Free World Cup

Clark Francis won the 19th Dubai Duty Free Golf World Cup last Thursday with a two round total of 77 stableford points. His outstanding 42 points on day one on the Faldo course at Emirates Golf Club put him in the ideal position on top of the leaderboard. Despite a poor start on day two at Dubai Creek, Francis produced a strong finish for 25 points which was just enough to lift the title. Peter van Wyk won the men's division. His consistent rounds of 40 and 37 points meant he was the comfortable champion, beating Michael McGinley and ex-Dubai Creek captain Francisco Giles into second and third place respectively. The trophy for the best international player was won by Richard Newmann with a fine 71 points which included 39 on day two. Ladies division Naema Maya won the ladies division on 74 points, a massive eight shots clear of Nadine Heubel who won the prize for best visitor. Second and third were Maria Van Dooren (59) and Keren Mounib (57). Winning the senior division was Sudhir Rao with 72 points, only six short of winning the overall event. Three points behind Rao on 69 points was Jairaj Roddam, the runner-up. The super senior category was won by Philip Lewis. One other standout performance came from current Dubai Creek captain Joseph Andrade. After 22 points on the Faldo, he produced a fine 42 on his home course. Colm McLoughlin, executive vice-chairman of Dubai Duty Free, said: "This tournament has gone from strength to strength over the years and we are delighted to say that some of our players have been here every year since 1993. "Thanks to my team at Dubai Duty Free and to Emirates Golf Club and Dubai Creek Golf Club for making this year's event so enjoyable."