RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Chile’s Joaquín Niemann won his first Saudi International title under sunny conditions at Riyadh Golf Club on Saturday, defeating Australia’s Cameron Smith and American Caleb Surratt in a three-way playoff.
The three were tied at 21-under par after the final round, but Smith and Surratt could not match overnight leader Niemann in the play-off as the Chilean wrapped up the win with a superb birdie on the second qualifying hole.
After finishing one stroke ahead of Americans Peter Uihlein and Surratt after the third round, the 26-year-old Niemann combined with two bogeys and six birdies for a 4-under-par 71 to move into the playoff .
The victory also meant that Niemann won the International Series Rankings.
“I enjoy being in that place, but there are times when it takes a while. It was a good day. Caleb and I, we played well,” Niemann said. “It’s a great way to wrap up the season. I’m really excited about what’s to come next season at LIV and hopefully I’ll be at the top level.”
Smith, the 2022 Open champion, sank nine birdies in a flawless final round, while Surratt, who shot a course record 10-under 61 on Friday, had six birdies and one bogey.
Defending Saudi International champion Abraham Ancer finished seven strokes behind Niemann, Smith and Surratt in the season finale of the Asian Tour and International Series.
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