Li Haotong Wins The 2018 Omega Dubai Desert Classic

China's emerging star Li beats McIlroy to Dubai title

- Josh Charles

China's Li Haotong displayed nerves of steel to beat Rory McIlroy in a head-to-head battle and win the $3 million Omega Dubai Desert Classic. In an intense battle played out between the two players in the final group, Li managed to protect his one-shot lead at the start of the day by shooting a three-under-par round of 69 to tally a tournament-record 23-under total of 265.

McIlroy, who had surged ahead just after the turn, also made a 69 but a three-putt par on the par-5 13th hole, followed by a bogey on the par-4 16th, proved crucial as he finished on 266. It was 22-year-old Li's second win on the European Tour following his triumph at the 2016 China Open, "It was incredible to play with Rory. I gained a lot of experience from him. This win gives me a lot of confidence and will help me do better in the majors this year," said Li, who came third at last year's British Open at Birkdale.