Dubai resident Paul Waring clinched a sensational victory in the thrilling final round of the $9 million Abu Dhabi Championship on Sunday, fending off a strong challenge from a formidable chasing pack.
The 39-year-old Englishman had set the pace with a course-record 61 at Yas Links on Friday, establishing a five-shot lead. However, a tense second round saw him card a 73, reducing his advantage to just one shot. Despite the pressure, Waring held his nerve during the final stretch to secure the win.
Tyrell Hatton finished second with a stunning closing 64, while Rory McIlroy, Thorbjørn Olesen, and Matt Wallace shared third place at 21 under. Waring, who had admitted to feeling jittery during his third round, displayed remarkable composure in a flawless closing 66.
McIlroy, Hatton, and former Open Champion Shane Lowry all applied pressure during the final round, but Waring, whose only previous DP World Tour title came at the Nordea Masters over six years ago, responded to being caught by Hatton with a birdie from 40 feet at the 17th. He then played the last hole impeccably to claim the $1,530,000 winner's cheque.
This victory propelled Waring up 43 places in the Race to Dubai, from 48th to fifth. "It means so much to so many other things that come with that win," said Waring, who now has a strong chance to claim one of the 10 PGA Tour cards on offer for 2025.
Waring also praised his caddie, Alex Evans, and playing partners Shane Lowry and Niklas Norgaard for their support. "I'm not that emotional on golf courses. I tend not to fist-pump and I tend not to get up and down, and I tend to stay quite steady," he said, reflecting on his composed performance.
McIlroy made an early charge, birdying four of his first six holes, but Waring responded with back-to-back birdies to start his round. English pair Matthew Jordan and Matt Wallace closed the gap with eagles at the seventh and 11th, respectively, but McIlroy missed short par attempts at the seventh and a birdie from eight feet two holes later.
Waring's excellent bunker shot at the sixth and a birdie from ten feet at the tenth kept the chasing pack at bay. Despite missing opportunities at the 11th and 13th, Waring's par save at the 15th boosted his confidence. Former winner Hatton birdied the last two holes to catch Waring, setting the clubhouse target at 22 under.
Waring's moment of magic came with a 40-foot birdie at the 17th, followed by a perfect drive at the last, where he ran a three-wood through the back of the green and got up and down to seal victory with a 24-under total.
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