Associated Press
ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Paul Waring won the Abu Dhabi Championship with a 6-under 66 on Sunday for the biggest win of his career.
The 229th-ranked Briton took a one-shot lead overnight and finished at 24 under. He himself was surprised at how smoothly the fourth and final round went.
“It's a really relaxing day, isn't it? It means a lot,” Waring, 39, said. “I’m really proud of myself for being able to really control myself like I did today.”
He finished two shots ahead of compatriot Tyrrell Hatton, who had eight birdies in 64, ahead of Danish golfer Thorbjorn Olesen (66), North Ireland's Rory McIlroy (64) and Britain's Matt Wallace (63) tied for third with three strokes.
This is only his 332nd DP World Tour Championship, six years after his first victory at the Nordea Masters.
Waring was 19 under after two rounds at Yas Links in Abu Dhabi, the lowest 36-hole score in European Tour history.
Now he faces the prospect of competing on the DP World Tour and PGA Tour as a dual member.
“Honestly, I'm happy living in Dubai,” he said. “It's going to be a long trip, a long commute to the U.S. But I'm looking forward to it. It's a new challenge. Definitely made up.”
Sunday's win also qualifies him for next year's British Open.
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