World No.229 Waring earns shock Abu Dhabi golf triumph

Paul Waring has surprised even himself by the smooth manner in which he picked up the biggest title of his career, recording a six-under par 66 to win the Abu Dhabi Championship.

The 229th-ranked Englishman was one stroke ahead overnight and finished on 24 under on Sunday, to finish two shots clear of Ryder Cup compatriot Tyrrell Hatton, who had eight birdies in his 64.

Waring was also three clear of Danish golfer Thorbjorn Olesen (66), Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy (64) and Englishman Matt Wallace (63), who tied for third.

"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."

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

Waring's 19-under total after two rounds at Abu Dhabi's Yas Links had been the lowest 36-hole score to par in European tour history, and he maintained his form to earn a victory that now sets up the prospect of him playing as a dual member on both the European and PGA Tours.

"I was quite happy living in Dubai to be honest with you," said Waring, whose win also sealed his place in next year's British Open.

"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."

Among the three Australian challengers, Min Woo Lee came out top, ending up with a 69 that propelled him to a 15-under total, which left him joint-23rd overall.

David Micheluzzi (69) ended at 12 under in a tie for 37th, while Adam Scott saved his best for last with a 65 that moved him up to 10 under in joint-46th place.