GOLF – Jon Rahm wrapped up a stellar Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship debut yesterday by claiming a two-shot win and a record-breaking sixth Rolex Series title.
The Spaniard previously shared the distinction of being the most successful Rolex Series player with Tyrrell Hatton, and the Ryder Cup teammates were both in the hunt for further glory at Yas Links.
They were in the final group alongside Francesco Laporta, with that trio and world number two Rory McIlroy – who kept his dream of an eighth Race to Dubai title alive – briefly sharing the lead on the back nine before Rahm motored ahead to get to 23 under and two shots ahead of Hatton with his final-round 67.
“Played really good all week, playing really solid,” said Rahm.
“There was a bit of a question mark of how it was going to go for me on Tuesday and Wednesday, and just happy to pull through with a fantastic week overall.”
McIlroy made a brilliant start by finding the green at the 378-yard first for an opening birdie before a huge eagle putt from the fairway at the next saw him climb to 19 under.
He was not alone at the top after Rahm’s own birdie at the first and the Spaniard was handed the outright lead when McIlroy bogeyed the third.
Laporta joined Rahm at the summit on 19 under with birdies at the first and third, but the Italian became the sole leader when his playing partner followed McIlroy by dropping a shot at the third.
Rahm showed his class with back-to-back birdies from the fifth to reclaim top spot at 20 under, with Laporta and Hatton, who matched the leader’s scoring run from the fifth, sat one behind.
Later, Rahm produced a stunning approach at the 15th to ensure he took a stranglehold of the tournament as he tapped in for birdie.
Hatton maintained the two-shot deficit when following suit, but Rahm kept his good friend at arm’s length by closing out with three straight pars to secure his 11th DP World Tour title.
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