McGovern 19th as Williams claims dramatic victory in Sharjah

Chris Williams. Picture: Getty

Brendan McGovern finished tied for 19th as Chris Williams secured his second European Senior Tour title by beating Gary Marks in a play-off at the inaugural Sharjah Senior Golf Masters presented by Shurooq.

The Headfort professional closed with a two-under-par 70 to finish ten shots outside the play-off on three under par and picked up €5,220.

South African Williams started the day one shot behind compatriot James Kingston but quickly raced into the lead on 14 under par with three birdies and an eagle in the space of four holes at Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club.

A bogey on the eighth hole saw him drop to 13 under par, where he would remain until the end of his round. 

Three birdies in succession on the back nine saw Marks draw level and the two parred the final hole, with Williams making a wonderful sand save, leaving just a three-foot putt to force a play-off.

Marks bogeyed the first play-off hole as Williams, who turns 58 on Monday, holed from six feet to win his first title since the 2011 Aberdeen Brunei Senior Masters.

Philip Walton shot a 73 to finish tied 38th on two-over 218 with Ronan Rafferty (69) on 220 and Des Smyth (74) on 223 completing the Irish challenge in the UAE.