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.

Rory McIlroy was among the players to make a charge during a thrilling final round of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship but it was Paul Waring who held his nerve to claim victory

Four-time major winner Rory McIlroy, former Open champion Shane Lowry and Ryder Cup stars Tommy Fleetwood, Tyrrell Hatton and Thorbjorn Olesen were among those to turn up the heat on Waring during a thrilling final round.

At 24-under total, Waring was two shots ahead of English compatriot Tyrrell Hatton (64). World No. 3 Rory McIlroy (64) finished in a three-way tie for third place at 21-under alongside Matt Wallace (63) and Thorbjoern Olesen (66).

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.

Paul Waring birdies the final two holes to win the Abu Dhabi Championship by two shots from fellow Englishman Tyrell Hatton.

Journeyman Paul Waring of England birdied the final two holes to fend off late challenges from Tyrrell Hatton and Rory McIlroy and win the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship at Yas Links in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.

England's Paul Waring birdied the last two holes for a bogey-free six-under-par 66 on Sunday to win the Abu Dhabi Championship by two shots. Waring delivered the hammer blow on the chasing pack with a 41-feet birdie putt on the par-3 17th hole,