'I still can't believe that', says Paratore after sealing back-to-back HotelPlanner Tour wins
The Italian, who lifted the UAE Challenge trophy just a week earlier, once again showed nerves of steel with birdies on two of his last four holes—finishing at 17 under par and edging out Scotsman David Law and Spain's Sebastian Garcia by a single stroke. Law had set a fierce clubhouse target with a blistering nine-under 61, but Paratore held firm under pressure.
Entering the final round one shot off the lead, Paratore picked up shots on the fifth and seventh holes to gain early momentum. Despite a couple of back-nine bogeys, the 28-year-old bounced back with clutch birdies—including a decisive one at the par-five 18th after reaching the green in two.
'I felt confident coming into today because I won last week,' Paratore said. 'But I knew it was going to be tough with so many in contention. I'm really proud of how I handled it.'
Garcia and Law shared second place at 16 under, while American Davis Bryant finished third at 15 under. A quartet of players, including Frenchman Robin Siegrist and Italy's Stefano Mazzoli, tied for fifth at 14 under.
Paratore's double triumph rockets him to second in the Road to Mallorca Rankings, further fueled by support from the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Arena, Al Laith, and eGolf Megastore.
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