China's emerging star Li beats McIlroy to Dubai title

China's Li Haotong secured the biggest title of his young career on Sunday, a blistering finish helping him see off the challenge of Rory McIlroy to win the $3 million Omega Dubai Desert Classic.

Li led by a stroke overnight but wobbled in his final round before a strong finish gave him a three-under-par 69 — secured with a birdie at the last — for a winning total of 265, 23 under par.

The 22-year-old won by a shot from McIlroy, who also had a 69 to finish on 22-under, and becomes the first Asian winner of the event.

His stunning finish under incredible pressure further cemented his reputation as one of the European Tour's great clutch performers, following on from a closing 63 at last season's Open Championship and a fourth-round 64 to win on home soil at the 2016 Volvo China Open.

"Especially the first few holes, I was quite nervous," said Li. "The first hole  I made bogey and got to come back really quick, which was good.

"I think most of the time, only two or one behind, so I just want to keep pulling myself in a position and just don't go too far away.

"The last four holes was some of the best shots in my life so far. Happy to see I can hold a trophy here.

"I'm looking forward to my first Masters."

The win moves him alongside countryman Ashun Wu as China's most prominent winners on the European Tour and he becomes the first Chinese player to break into the top 50 in the Official World Golf Ranking.