Li first Asian winner of Dubai Desert Classic

Abu Dhabi: 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 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.