Dance claims Qatar Open title for juniors

By Sports Reporter/DohaYoseph Dance won the Qatar Junior Open golf tournament with a gross card of 74 at Doha Golf Club yesterday.American Dance, a former Qatar Amateur Open champion, staved off the challenge of Faisal Mir (80 gross) to bag the title in the Qatar Golf Association conducted event.“Thanks to everybody who competed in the tournament. Thanks for the competition and all the best for the future,” he said after receiving the winning trophy from QGA assistant secretary general Mohamed al-Mohannadi.Jakub Hrinda had the “best net”  score among boys with 77, while Linus Byberg (78 countback) and Pratyush Jain (78) were second and third respectively. Byberg also took the ‘longest drive’ and ‘nearest to pin’ prizes.Laila Hrinda claimed the girls’ title with 80 gross. Christine Mathiesen (68) and Kimberly Stiegler (69) had the ‘best net” scores among girls. Stiegler also dominated the ‘longest drive’ and ‘nearest to the pin’ competition among girls.Meanwhile Arnav Jain was declared the ‘Player of the Year’ for 2012-13 for his consistent performances throughout the season. He bagged 42 points.“The Player of the Year’ award is a new initiative by the QGA to encourage local talent,” said Mike Shoueiry, Qatar Golf Association’s technical director. “Arnav is a fine talent,” he added. Meanwhile, the team comprising Cedric Steigler, Suhaim Suzairi, Sheikh Abdulrahman al-Thani and Jonathan Scholten won the team title among the junior academy players with a score of 34 gross.Fahad Mir, Ali al-Mohannadi, Fasal al-Naimi and Suhail Mohsen were second with 45.