Updated at 2.00pm
LI HAOTONG SET a new course record to hold off Rory McIlroy and win the Dubai Desert Classic.
Former world number one McIlroy has impressed all week at the Emirates Golf Club in just his second outing after a self-imposed break from the game to heal nagging injuries.
However, after roaring into contention with an eight-under 64 on Saturday, Li produced a late surge on Sunday to take just his second win on the European Tour by a single stroke from McIlroy.
Li found four birdies in his final six holes to reach 23-under for the tournament, eclipsing the previous low score to par record at this tournament held by three men – one of whom was his Northern Irish rival.
The Chinese 22-year-old led McIlroy by a stroke coming into the final day, but Tyrrell Hatton put pressure on the opening pair by carding a six-under 66 just ahead of them.
And Li seemed to be struggling with nerves, finding sand twice on the opening hole to cough up his lead with a bogey, although he quickly regained his composure and made gains at three and seven to remain level with McIlroy, who also found joy on the same holes.
McIlroy was two clear after birdieing 10, while Li could only card a bogey on the par-five, seemingly putting the Ulsterman in position for a 14th European Tour title.
The pair’s struggles spread, McIlroy bogeying 11 and Li dropping another shot at the next hole, but the Chinese found a spectacular second wind to pull clear.
"Over the last four holes I hit some of the best shots of my life"
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) January 28, 2018
💬 @Haotong_Li pic.twitter.com/Ai0YJ7QH6z
Li turned his fortunes around at the par-five 13th and continued his roll at 15 and 17 before a brilliant approach at the final hole left him with a five-foot putt for the clinching birdie after finding thick rough off the tee.
McIlroy’s challenge was stymied by another bogey at 16 and a drive down the fairway on 18 had put thoughts of an eagle and play-off to mind, before his approach zoomed to the back of the green.
After sinking the winning putt, Li roared with joy, and he later hailed his efforts at holding off McIlroy.
“The last four holes was some of the best shots of my life so far, so I’m quite happy to see another trophy here.”
“It’s fantastic to play with [McIlroy] and learn a lot of things. It’s a big honour.”
The42 has just published its first book, Behind The Lines, a collection of some of the year’s best sports stories. Pick up your copy in Eason’s, or order it here today (€10):
Unfortunayely not to be for McIlroy. Bogey on 16th ended his hopes but fair play to Li birdied 4 of last 6 holes.
Finishing second is no disgrace.
Really poor from mcilroy . Should have closed it out after going 2 ahead with 8 to play . Will set him back a few weeks I feel and that is not what he needed starting his build up to the masters . His swing folded under pressure and that should not be happening against a 22 year old .
@Niall James Fergal McCormack:
Just goes to show that Li had nerves of steel coming down the back 9. 22 years old and McIlroy breathing down his neck all the way. Great achievement.
@Nollaig Elliot: great achievement by li but Rory threw it away . Made mistakes that will give him a sleepless night or 2 . Feel he is close but this will deffo set him back a few weeks . To be best in the world you can’t let leads like that slip so easily !
@Niall James Fergal McCormack: agree he shod have closed it out, but if you were to give him a third and a second in his first two tournaments of his comeback I think he’d have bitten your arm off for it.
@Ardmore02:
100%. He’ll be delighted with his start to the season albeit a few mistakes.
@Ardmore02: yes he is deffo happy with return but look at his interview and I can assure you he is not happy . That shouldn’t happen one of best players in the world . Went 2 ahead on 10th and than to go for pin on 11th and find bunker short sighted is sloppy and not good enough and 3 putt on next par 5 is also not good enough . I’m excited as the next man for Rory’s year as I feel he looks fit and happy this year but today was not good enough and will no doubt set him back in his mind a few weeks .