ABU DHABI — It was an exhilarating final day for fans as a back-nine battle saw Beth Allen emerge as the first ever victor of the inaugural Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Open with an untouchable 21-under par Saturday. Allen, who started the day in third position after three solid performances, hit her best round of the week; a joint course record of 64 that won her not only the maiden trophy, but a career third LET title, $82,500 first prize purse, and sends her back to the top of the Order of Merit. "It means so much to me," expressed Allen. "I love this tour and it's so special to win here as it's the first professional ladies golf event in Abu Dhabi, so overall it's been such a great week." Allen now holds the joint course record with second place finisher Georgia Hall, who battled Beth throughout the day. The 20-year-old Brit went into the day as leader, and with a front nine of 33 consisting of three birdies, the talented Hall looked confident. The back nine saw a bogey on the 14th and 16th respectively, seeing Hall slip and finish with 69 on 18 under par. Sarah Kemp and Mel Reid kept the pressure on throughout the day. A consistent front nine kept the pair nipping at the heels of Allen and Hall, but the 10th saw both players slip with a bogey which distanced them from the top two. The day belonged to Allen though, who demonstrated consistency and skill that is bound to inspire those who got to witness how thrilling women's golf is today. She finished by saying: "This is so special — no one can take this away from me. I'm the only one who can ever say I won the first ever Abu Dhabi ladies golf event and I'm so grateful to have been here!" Dr. Mai Al Jaber, Board Member of the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy said: "Congratulations to all the lady golfers. It has been wonderful to witness their power and grace this week and they have provided us with four days of amazing action. I have no doubt that their participation will inspire women of all ages to become involved in this sport." Over the week, more than just golf was enjoyed at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club. The Tournament Village teemed with visitors who enjoyed delicious food and drink, ELDOA exercise classes, ITU World Triathlon bikes, and even celebrity appearances from top LET golfers including the guest of honor, Annika Sörenstam. Children of all ages, as well as an abundance of Emirati women took part in exclusive clinics with LET professionals such as Victoria Lovelady and Connie Chen. The FBMLO is sponsored by FBMA, Abu Dhabi Sports Council, TDIC, Al Masaood, CNBC, Etihad, Marriott Downtown Abu Dhabi and Omega.
