Low-ranked Waring wins Abu Dhabi Championship for the biggest victory of his career

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Paul Waring carded a 6-under 66 to win the Abu Dhabi Championship for the biggest victory of his career on Sunday.

The 229th-ranked Englishman was one stroke ahead overnight and finished on 24 under. He even surprised himself at how smoothly the fourth and final round went.

“It was quite an easy day really, wasn’t it? It just means so much,” the 39-year-old Waring said. “To actually keep control of myself in the way that I did today I’m really proud of myself.”

He finished two shots clear of countryman Tyrrell Hatton — who had eight birdies in his 64 — and three clear of Danish golfer Thorbjorn Olesen (66), Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy (64) and Englishman Matt Wallace (63) in a tie for third. Aaron Cockerill of Stony Mountain, Man., had a 68 on the day and finished 10 under for the tournament.

“It hasn’t sunk in yet. I still think I’ve got to play another hole or something,” an emotional Waring said. “It hasn’t quite hit me yet. I’m sure it will do later on when I’m having a beer.”

It was only his second DP World Tour title on his 332nd appearance and six years after his first at the Nordea Masters.

“I’ve been knocking on the door a few times. I’ve had a few seconds (second places),” Waring said. “I’ve been in and around it. To get over the line again is fantastic… I’ll probably still be hungover come Thursday.”

Waring’s 19-under score after two rounds at Abu Dhabi’s Yas Links was the lowest 36-hole score to par in European tour history.

Now he faces the prospect of playing as a dual member on both the DP World Tour and PGA Tour.

“I was quite happy living in Dubai to be honest with you,” he said. “It’s going to be a long way to travel, a long commute over to America. But I’m looking forward to that. It’s a new challenge. Absolutely made up.”

Sunday’s triumph also sealed him a place at The Open next year.

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