Renato Paratore stormed to victory at the UAE Challenge, firing a final-round 65 to secure his first HotelPlanner Tour title at Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club.
Fast Start Secures Title
Starting the final round one shot back, the Italian caught fire early with three birdies and an eagle in his opening five holes. Two more birdies on the back nine saw the two-time DP World Tour winner pull away to finish at 22-under-par, clinching a three-shot win.
“My last win was in 2020, so this is special,” said Paratore. “I stayed focused all week, and my putting made a huge difference. JC [Ritchie] really pushed me, so I’m proud of how I held on.”
Eyes on Abu Dhabi
The win rockets Paratore to seventh in the Road to Mallorca Rankings and gives him serious momentum ahead of next week’s Abu Dhabi Challenge at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club.
“I didn’t start the season well, so this is a great boost. I’m excited for what’s next.”
Ritchie Runner-Up, Erickson in Third
South Africa’s JC Ritchie, who shared the 36-hole lead, applied pressure with birdies at 14 and 15, but a double bogey at 17 derailed his charge. He finished second at 20-under-par. American Dan Erickson claimed solo third on 17-under.
Strong Finishes Across the Board
France’s Oihan Guillamoundeguy and Dubai-based Spaniard Adri Arnaus tied for fourth on 16-under. Ireland’s Mark Power, Germany’s Freddy Schott and Portugal’s Pedro Figueiredo followed closely at 14-under.
Skaik Makes History for UAE
The UAE’s Ahmad Skaik became the first Emirati to make the cut in a European Tour group event. A birdie-birdie-eagle finish on Friday saw him card a 67 and earn weekend play.
Though a cracked driver hindered his final two rounds, Skaik still earned low amateur honours, presented by His Highness Sheikh Rashid Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi.
“It was a week of highs and lows,” said Skaik. “But I love a challenge, and I’ll definitely learn from this experience.”
Next Stop: Abu Dhabi Challenge
The HotelPlanner Tour’s UAE swing continues on 17 April in Al Ain, with Paratore, Ritchie, Wilco Nienaber, Jamie Rutherford, and Quim Vidal in the field—alongside Skaik and a strong line-up of regional talent.
