Levy Into Race To Dubai Top Ten After Moroccan Magic

Frenchman Alex Levy surged into the European Tour’s Race to Dubai top ten after a superb display saw him lift his fifth European Tour title at the Trophee Hassan II in Rabat, Morocco.The 27 year old, who becomes the ninth different nationality to win the tournament in as many years, started the final day one shot adrift of Dubai resident Spaniard Alvaro Quiros but soon overtook the overnight leader with three birdies in his first nine holes. The 2018 Ryder Cup hopeful never looked back and finished the tournament eight under par, one clear of Quiros. The win sees Levy pick up 416,660 Race to Dubai points which takes his tally for the season to 876,796 which propels him from 24th to ninth in the Race to Dubai Rankings.

“Many congratulations to Alex on a terrific win at the Trophee Hassan II,” said Nick Tarratt, Director European Tour International, Dubai Office.  “With The Ryder Cup in his homeland this year I’m sure he will be delighted to get a win under his belt. We wish him all the best in the coming months and look forward to welcoming him back for the DP World Tour Championship, Dubai at Jumeirah Golf Estates in November.”Levy, who has risen to World No.47, played some steady golf on the back nine with six consecutive birdies from the 10^th to 15^th but the 2017 Volvo China Open victor looked to be in a spot of bother after dropping only his second shot of the day at the 16^th. Levy bounced back immediately after a sensational tee shot on the par three 17^th saw the ball drop dead within five feet of the pin. Levy holed the putt for birdie and a par followed, ensuring the title was secured at Royal Golf Dar Es Salam.

“This win feels so good,” said Levy who prepared for the event by practicing at several clubs in Dubai including Emirates and Trump International Golf Club. “I’m a little bit tired now because it was a really tough day but I’m delighted that I’ve managed to get the job done. I played an amazing game and I’m so happy to win this trophy.
Meanwhile, Quiros’ second place finish on seven under par saw him collect 325,000 Race to Dubai points to make significant strides from 188th to 29th in the Race to Dubai Rankings with 351,658 points for the season.

Swedish duo Alexander Bjork and Joakim Lagergren finished in a tie for third place a further shot back on six under par. The pair receive 138,937 points which moves Bjork from 35^th to 27^th on 388,773 points whilst Lagergren rockets up the Rankings from 156^th to 57^th on 180,812.Finn Mikko Ilonen and Italian Andrea Pavan joined them in a tie for third which also sees both men receive 138,937 points. Ilonen makes a remarkable rise from 149^th to 56^th on 185,837 points with Pavan into 42^nd from 86^th on 243,010.The top three in the Race to Dubai Rankings remain the same.American Patrick Reed leads the way with 2,216,000 whilst Shubhankar Sharma of India remains in second on 1,038,448. Race to Dubai champion Tommy Fleetwood completes the top three on 1,023,670.

The DP World Tour Championship, Dubai takes place at Jumeirah Golf Estates from November 15-18.