Paul Waring wins the Abu Dhabi Championship for the biggest victory of his career

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

The 229th-ranked Englishman had a one-stroke lead overnight and finished 24 under. He was even surprised by how well the fourth and final round went.

“It was a really easy day, wasn’t it? It means a lot,” said the 39-year-old Waring. “To control myself the way I did today, I’m proud of myself.”

He finished two shots clear of fellow countryman Tyrrell Hatton – who had eight birdies in 64 — and three clear of Danish golfer Thorbjorn Olesen (66), Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy (64) and England Matt Wallace (63) tied for third place. .

It was his second DP World Tour title in his 332nd appearance and six years after his Nordea Masters debut.

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

He now faces the prospect of playing as a dual member on the DP World Tour and the PGA Tour.

“I was very happy living in Dubai, to be honest with you,” he said. “It’s going to be a long way to go, a long way to America. But I’m looking forward to it. It’s a new challenge. It’s completely done.”

Sunday’s victory also booked him a spot at The Open next year.