Ajman, United Arab Emirates: Sam Mullane, Anca Mateiu and Daniil Sokolov emerged victorious in the inaugural Cedars Championship.

Hosted by the Lebanese Golf Federation, in collaboration with the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF), the 54-hole event was staged at the UAE’s Al Zorah Golf and Yacht Club.

A 66-strong field included players from Egypt, Lebanon, Palestine, Qatar and the UAE, as well as EGF members and UAE residents, all vying for spots in the upcoming HotelPlanner Tour event – UAE Challenge at Al Zorah.

The championship was the second event of the recently announced Arab Golf Series and was organised by the Arab Golf Federation. World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) points were also up for grabs,

In the Men’s Division, UAE National Team player Mullane survived a marathon play-off, edging out fellow EGF members Mikhail Pinto and Dan Bryne at the sixth hole of a play-off.

As Mullane was already exempt for next week’s HotelPlanner Tour event, the sponsor’s invite that was allocated to the winner was granted to both Pinto and Bryne by the EGF.

With rounds of 65, 68 and 73, Mateiu won the Ladies Division with a 10-under total of 217.

Following a nine-shot win in the Junior Division, Sokolov was also granted a spot in next week’s HotelPlanner Tour event.

During the prize presentation that was attended by EGF Chairman, His Excellency Shaikh Fahim Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, and Vice Chairman, General Abdullah Al-Hashmi, the President of the Lebanese Golf Federation, Karim Salaam, expressed the importance of the brotherhood and sportsmanship that was on display at the tournament.

Salaam said: “It is important for countries to stand with other countries and although Lebanon is going through difficult times, we can use sport to be a vehicle of diplomacy. Thank you to the Emirates Golf Federation and to our brothers and sisters in the UAE for this opportunity. We look forward to continuing to use this championship to accomplish more than just the development of golf.”