Paul Waring Claims Abu Dhabi Championship

Paul Waring claimed his second European Tour title and his first in six years, holding off a strong field to win the Abu Dhabi Championship. The 39-year-old Englishman sealed victory with a six-under-par 66 at Yas Links, finishing on 24 under par, two shots clear of compatriot Tyrell Hatton. Waring’s victory was especially impressive as he recovered from a third-round 73 which saw his five-shot lead shrink to just one.

Hatton, who shot a 64, birdied the last two holes to briefly draw level with Waring at 22 under but Waring responded with a clutch 40-foot birdie on the 17th and another on the final hole to secure the win. Waring, who set a course record with an 11-under-par 61 in the second round, expressed pride in his performance, saying his game had been in great shape for a year and it all came together at the perfect time.

Race to Dubai leader Rory McIlroy posted a 64 to tie for third at 21 under, alongside Matt Wallace and Thorbjorn Olesen. Other notable contenders included two-time winner Tommy Fleetwood, who finished tied for sixth at 20 under and former Open champion Shane Lowry, who struggled on the final holes to finish 13th at 18 under.

McIlroy’s strong final round ensured he stayed ahead of South Africa’s Thriston Lawrence in the Race to Dubai standings. This positions him well to secure his sixth Race to Dubai title at the upcoming season finale in Dubai. Paul Waring’s victory is a significant achievement after years of near-misses and further cements his place on the European Tour.