DUBAI , June 14 - ''golf in DUBAi'' on Monday hailed Thomas Bjorn''s emphatic victory in the Portuguese Open, saying it''s a tribute to the dogged determination of a player who kept faith in his ability despite enduring a frustrating battle with injuries and loss of form.

The former Ryder Cup star, who has been a long-time ''golf in DUBAi'' ambassador, shot a four-under-par 68 in his final round for an impressive 23-under 265 total, a good five shots clear of nearest rival Richard Green of Australia.

For Bjorn, who won the 2001 Omega Dubai Desert Classic beating Tiger Woods by two shots, it was his 10th victory on the European Tour and his first since the Irish Open at Carton House in 2006. The 39-year-old veteran had chances of matching Colin Montgomerie's Portuguese record of 24-under, but agonizingly fell short by one shot.

"It's nice to see Thomas return to winning ways after four years," said Mohamed Juma Buamaim, vice-chairman and CEO of 'golf in DUBAi,' the promoters and organisers of the high-profile Omega Dubai Desert Classic and the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters events.

"His victory shows great players always get back on the horse. Thomas had his share of ups and downs in his life, but he never gave up. We, at golf in DUBAi, would like to congratulate him and hope he keeps the momentum rolling into the season ahead," he said.

The 'Great Dane' himself was pleased with his achievement. ""It feels it has been a long time in coming. The conditions were very tough, but I was very determined not to let anything get in my way," said Bjorn who needed to see off a late charge from Green, also a former winner of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic.

Australian left-hander managed to narrow Bjorn's three-shot overnight lead down to one, but Bjorn held his nerve to go five clear and avoid a nervous finish..

"I knew that if I didn't make any mistakes over the closing holes I'd have a great chance of winning, and that's how it proved," said the Dane who drove accurately and putted well during the week.

Green closed with a 70 to finish 18 under for the week, with Dane Mark F Haastrup third on 16 under following a 67 - the best European Tour finish of his career. England's Robert Rock finished fourth.

But it was Bjorn, who walked away with the winner's cheque for €166,660, held the centre-stage.

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