Chinese star Haotong Li is no stranger to success in the Middle East, and as he heads into the final round at the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters with a two-shot lead, the question arises , can he add another prestigious title to his collection?
Haotong Li, now 28, made history in 2018 when he won the Dubai Desert Classic, holding off Rory McIlroy in a thrilling final-round battle. His 23-under-par total set a tournament record at the time and remains one of the most memorable performances by an Asian golfer on the DP World Tour. Now, he’s back in contention, thriving once again on desert fairways.
Final Round Lead
After 54 holes at Doha Golf Club, Li sits at 13-under-par, three strokes clear of Brandon Robinson Thompson. A composed third-round 67, featuring two birdies in the final three holes, reinforced his credentials as a front-runner. “I always feel comfortable playing in this part of the world,” Li has said in the past. His affinity for Middle Eastern courses is evident, and this week could see him reap the rewards once again.
A victory in Qatar would mark a significant return to form for Li, who has experienced highs and lows in recent seasons. It would also cement his status as a specialist in this region, adding to his Dubai triumph.
Elite Group
If he does so, he would join an elite group of players who have conquered both Doha Golf Club and Emirates Golf Club, including Ernie Els and Thomas Bjørn, both multiple-time DP World Tour winners with impressive Middle East records.
Els, a three-time Major champion, won the Dubai Desert Classic three times (1994, 2002, 2005) and lifted the Qatar Masters trophy in 2005. Bjørn, a former Ryder Cup captain, was victorious in Dubai in 2001 before going on to win in Qatar in 2011.
Li Haotong now has a golden opportunity to etch his name alongside these greats. With two rounds to go, the stage is set – can he deliver once more under the desert sun?
