Victory in Hong Kong puts Donald firmly in hungry McIlroy’s sights

Rory McIlroy kept his hopes of winning the Race to Dubai alive as a closing 65 saw him claim a two-shot victory at the Hong Kong Open.

The 22-year-old sank five birdies in a bogey-free round at Hong Kong Golf Club, chipping in from a greenside bunker at the last to finish in style with a winning score of 12 under par and two ahead of playing partner Gregory Havret.

The victory means the US Open champion can overhaul Race to Dubai leader Luke Donald if he wins next week’s Dubai World Championship and the Englishman finishes 10th or lower.

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Havret also carded a 65 to end the tournament 10 under par, while Peter Hanson returned a 70 as the Swede finished third on nine-under.

Ian Poulter (66), Richie Ramsey (66) and Pariya Junhasavasdikul (70) were tied for fourth on eight under par.

Having twice finished runner-up in Hong Kong, including a heartbreaking play-off defeat to Lin Wen-tang three years ago, McIlroy was delighted to finally get his hands on the trophy.

“It feels like it was a long time coming. It’s fantastic. I’ve loved the tournament ever since I played my first one in 2007, I felt like the last owed me something after what happened in the play-off in a way,” he said.

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“No matter how prestigious tournaments are, you always have your favourites and this is definitely one of my favourites and to be able to win it is fantastic.”

Lee Westwood comfortably held off all challengers to retain the Nedbank Golf Challenge.

The Worksop golfer, who established a seven-shot lead for the final round after a course-record 62 in South Africa on Saturday, closed with a one-over-par 73 to win by two shots.

Sweden’s Robert Karlsson finished second, with Northern Ireland’s Graeme McDowell and America’s Jason Dufner two shots further adrift on 11 under par at the Sun City resort.

Malton & Norton’s Simon Dyson went into the weekend three shots off halfway leader McDowell, but fell back down the small field following rounds of 75 and 72.