Jimenez Rules in Dubai

Miguel Angel Jimenez prevailed at the third hole of a play-off with Lee Westwood to claim his 16th European Tour title at the Dubai Desert Classic.

Both players had level-par final rounds of 72 - Westwood, playing in the last group with Alvaro Quiros, birdied the 18th to draw level with Jimenez, who had set the clubhouse target at 11 under.

The challenge of Quiros, needing an eagle to tie Jimenez's total, was ended when he dumped his second shot to the 564-yard, par-five 18th into the water in front of the green.

But Westwood's approach safely found the left edge of the green and he got down with two putts to extend the tournament into sudden death.

The first two extra holes - both on the 18th - saw Westwood twice fail to convert birdie putts from inside 20 feet as Jimenez, continuing his policy of laying up, was able to match his pair of fives.

The action then turned to the 463-yard, par-four ninth and Jimenez made his move, closing out the victory with a solid par after a poor chip from Westwood had opened the door.
Proud

"I feel so proud to win this trophy. I like the golf course, I like the ambience and I like the people and I am very happy," said the 46-year-old from Malaga, who had twice previously finished runner up.

"I made a very good putt on the second hole of the play-off on the 18th that kept me going then I had a putt to win.

"My last win was in 2008 in the PGA and it proves the old guys like me can win."

The four overnight leaders - Thongchai Jaidee, Jimenez, Quiros and Westwood - had enjoyed a see-saw battle throughout the final round in windy conditions at the Emirates Golf Club.

Westwood seized the early initiative with successive birdies at the third and fourth before immediately surrendering his advantage with a double bogey at the par-four sixth.

It was then Jimenez's turn to edge into the lead with his first birdie of the day at the 10th, but that was also shortlived as he followed up with a bogey at the 11th.

Quiros' stint at the front was also brief - consecutive bogeys at the 14th and 15th being followed, ultimately, with a watery grave at the last.

Challenge

A birdie-par finish from Jimenez gave him a one-shot lead in the clubhouse and laid down the challenge to Westwood and Quiros on the 18th tee.

And although Westwood, a winner in Dubai at last November's World Championship, produced the required birdie to force a play-off, it was the veteran Spaniard who eventually enjoyed the final say.

Thailand's Jaidee, who had slipped back with three bogeys in his first eight holes but rallied on the back nine to card a 73, finished alone in third at 10-under-par. The Asian number one, however, missed a short putt on the 18th that would have got him in the play-off.

Martin Kaymer (70) of Germany and Italy's Edoardo Molinari (71) shared fourth at nine-under-par, with Quiros (75) and defending champion Rory McIlroy (73) a stroke further back.

Eight-time major winner Tom Watson, 60, carded six birdies in a 68 to finish at six-under-par alongside Sweden's Henrik Stenson (68) and Frenchman Gregory Bourdy (68).