SOMERSET'S David Dixon achieved his highest-ever position in the Qatar Masters.

The 25-year-old former Somerset and England amateur international finished in a tie for 14th in the desert and won £12,693.

He said: "I've been working hard on my fitness and practising well so it was nice to see it all pay off. It has given my confidence a big boost to finish in the top 20."

He also played in the previous week's event in Dubai.

Sandstorms caused some problems but Dixon was unperturbed. He said: "Having played a lot at Burnham and Berrow, I knew precisely what to do in the wind."

He was in second place at one stage, but delays meant he was forced to play 31 holes on the final day.

He made the cut in Madeira but four rounds in the seventies left him 71st. He went to the Portugal Open in 110th place on the money list with winnings of almost £18,000.

Mark Sanders (Bristol and Clifton) collected £2,700 for a 38th place in his first appearance of the season on the tour in Madeira.