Gelasinis Survive Storm to win at Jumeirah in the International Pairs UAE
With Gale force winds battering the Fire Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates, 68 members braved the elements in the latest Qualifying event of the 2011-12 Tech Access International Pairs UAE Presented by Cadillac.
Two weeks previously members at Al Badia Golf Club were subjected to severe conditions however their’s was a gentle breeze in comparison to the storm experienced at the home of the DP World Tour Championship, Dubai.
The ability to play in such conditions will hold the winners in good stead in the 2011-12 National Final, scheduled to be played at Yas Links, one of the UAE’s most exposed courses and perhaps moreso should they progress to the World Final, which will be played in Scotland where high winds are the norm.
However while most players were battling to survive, Giordano & Tania Gelasini held higher ambitions and held their game together in fine style. Their final tally of 41 stableford points was highlighted by seven net birdies and a stunning net eagle from Tania on their first hole, the 12th. Tania, in particular, was on excellent form although Giordano’s contribution was invaluable at critical moments. The Gelasinis became the third husband & wife pairing to qualify for the National Final following Johan & Manilyn Buxmann (Tower Links) and Tom & Pia Johansson (The Montgomerie, Dubai).
Playing alongside the Gelasinis, Shabir Yukub & Zuzana Pourova eventually claimed the runners-up prize thanks to a consistent score of 39 points. The experienced Yukub guided his talented partner brilliantly and many would have predicted that their score would have been enough to win but it was not to be. Four teams finished with level par 36 points, requiring a scorecard countback. Aamer Zaidi & Avinash Pangarkar secured the honours thanks to a fantastic back-9 of 20 points.
Zuzana Pourova further demonstrated her promise by winning both the Nearest-the-Pin prizes on offer, on holes 8 and 14.
The Jumeirah Golf Estates International Pairs UAE Qualifier was the 11th in the 2011-12 series. Giordano & Tania Gelasini join representatives from Arabian Ranches Golf Club, Abu Dhabi City Golf Club, Els Club, Yas Links, Emirates Golf Club, Al Hamra Golf Club, Tower Links Golf Club, The Montgomerie Dubai, Al Ghazal Golf Club and Al Badia Golf Club who have already secured berths in the National Final.
Tech Access International Pairs UAE Presented by Cadillac is also supported by Diamond Developers, Acuma Wealth Management, Cansco, Rivoli Group, Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi, City & Welcare Hospitals, Royal Caribbean International, Nike Golf, 7Days, Worldwide Golf and UAE Golf Online.
Main Photo: International Pairs UAE Jumeirah Golf Estates Qualifier winners, Giordano & Tania Gelasini, pictured with PGA Professional, David Blackadder.
