Portmarnock Links’ Robin Dawson and Naas’ Conor O’Rourke tied for second in the 2020 Arena Shootout on the MENA Tour but missed out in a place in next week’s OMEGA Dubai Desert Classic.

Winner Romain Wattel shot rounds of 66 and 69 to finish on nine-under par and win the 36-hole event at Al Hamra Beach Resort & Golf Club in Ras Al Khaimah in the UAE to clinch a spot in the field at the Emirates Golf Club.

Scores

The French star won by six strokes from a five-strong group featuring Dawson (71-70) and O’Rourke (70-71) while Portmarnock’s Purcell (70-72), who turned professional in December, tied for fifth on two-under.

Headfort’s Rory McNamara (77-71) was tied 17th on four-over with The Island’s Paul McBride (73-77) two shots further back in joint 20th.

The MENA Tour Q-School takes place later this month.

Q-school (A) 21 – 23 January

Q-school (B) 27 – 29 January