Fichardt takes wife’s advice and picks up £156,000 windfall

DARREN FICHARDT, persuaded by his wife to compete in the Qatar Masters in Doha, was glad he did after winning the title and £156,054 first prize.

Fichardt beat fellow South African James Kingston at the first hole of a sudden death play-off after they had tied on the 13 under par mark of 275, two ahead of Irish Ryder Cup hero Paul McGinley. After a gruelling 30-hole final day - Thursday's play was hit by a sandstorm - Fichardt said: "We didn't know quite what was going on here and were quite iffy about it, but I'm really happy we came now."

Kingston was favourite entering the closing stretch, but failed to pick up a shot at either the driveable 306-yard 16th or downwind par five last after Fichardt, playing three groups ahead of him, had set the target with birdies at both.