HERO DUBAI DESERT CLASSIC

Mcllroy Edges Rival Reed To Triumph

Rory McIlroy prevailed in a nail-biting finish over Patrick Reed, the man he “prefers not to acknowledge” after a spat between the two, in the rain-delayed Dubai Desert Classic.

McIlroy and Reed went into the tournament after a row when Reed threw a tee towards McIlroy on the practice range. The incident turned out to be a lot milder than reported but the two have been at odds since McIlroy criticised players, including Reed, who joined the LIV Golf circuit.

Falling behind Reed after a bogey on the 15th hole, McIlroy made amends with birdies on the 17th and 18th in a round of four-under-par 68.

The Northern Irishman finished on 19-under par, while Reed, who started the day four shots behind McIlroy, made a crucial bogey on the 16th and a par on the drivable par-4 17th hole in his round of 65.