Del Rey ends drought

RAS AL-KHAIMAH, United Arab Emirates (AFP) — Spaniard Alejandro del Rey put two years of frustration behind him on Sunday as he cruised to a four-shot victory in the Ras Al-Kaimah Championship in the United Arab Emirates.

“It’s basically what I work for,” the 26-year-old said after his first European Tour victory.

“I’m very grateful it finally came.”

Del Rey shot his third straight 66 for a 22-under-par total of 266.

Englishman Marcus Armitage, who started the day in second, carded 68 to stay there. He was three clear of Spaniard David Puig, who finished with a 65.

Del Rey joined the tour at the start of the 2023 season and recorded a third-place in his first event before spending two years in the middle of the pack.

“I got to a point last year where I wasn’t having that much fun on the golf course. Playing for 20th or 30th place wasn’t that meaningful,” he said.

“I just worked really hard since then I didn’t want to be in that position much longer.”

If Del Rey felt the pressure starting the last round with a two-shot lead, it did not show.

He opened with a birdie and then hit the flag at the par-4 second to set up a tap in for another birdie. After he birdied the fifth, Del Rey was five shots ahead.