Noren Into Race To Dubai Top Five With Third Place Finish In Austin

Sweden’s Alex Noren moved into the European Tour Race to Dubai’s top five after a terrific display saw him play a mammoth 133 holes for an eventual third place finish at the WGC – Dell Technologies Match Play.

The nine time European Tour winner came into the final day with a 100% record after winning all three of his group matches as well as two knockout matches. But American Kevin Kisner got the better of the Swede in the semi-final with a play-off required after finishing all square through 18. Noren’s third place finish won him 695,000 Race to Dubai points which takes his season tally to 821,500 and sees him surge him from 53^rd to fifth place in the Race to Dubai Rankings.

“Many congratulations to Alex on a thrilling weekend at the WGC – Dell Technologies Match Play,” said Nick Tarratt, Director European Tour International, Dubai Office. ” We look forward to seeing Alex’s career progress after his recent run of fine form and hope to see him at his seventh DP World Tour Championship, Dubai later this year.”

The 35 year old went toe-to-toe with Kisner in the semi-final with both men exchanging the lead through the front nine. Kisner went into the back nine with the lead but quickly lost it after superb birdie from Noren left it all square after 12. The Ryder Cup hopeful had the chance to claim victory on the 18^th but his birdie putt narrowly missed which meant a play-off was needed.  Noren’s miss-putt on the first play-off hole allowed Kisner to take full advantage and advance to the final where he went on to lose to fellow countryman Bubba Watson seven and six. Noren went on to seal third after defeating American Justin Thomas in the third place match five and three.

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