Another top finish but McIlroy rues missed opportunity to win title

Rory McIlroy has expressed his frustration at not picking up the Dubai Desert Classic title – after being two shots ahead at one stage.

But with eight holes to play he squandered that lead and had to settle for the runners-up spot, just one shot behind China’s Li Hatong.

McIlroy still managed an incredible 22 under for the tournament – although Li’s 23 was a course tournament record.

It was the 22-year-old’s second European Tour title, as well making him the first male Chinese player to break into the world's top 50.

Li will also make his Masters debut in April and can become the third straight Dubai champion, after Danny Willett and Sergio Garcia, to claim a green jacket.

McIlroy, meanwhile, needs to win at Augusta National to complete a career grand slam.

McIlroy has now finished third and second in his two starts since calling an early end to an injury-plagued and winless 2017 campaign, but will be disappointed at failing to convert a two-shot lead at halfway.

McIlroy was angry with himself that he did not finish off with a win.

“It was a couple of bad shots, a couple of poor decisions, a couple of mental errors, a few tentative putts out there, as well. I kept leaving myself in places where I couldn't really give it a run at the hole because they were downhill, downgrain, downwind,” he said.

“But I tried until the very end. Made two good birdies. Made him win it in the end, which was all I could do, and he played very well on the way in, birdieing three of the last four. I just wish I could get a couple of those holes back.

“If someone had of told me at the start of the year you'd finish third and second your first two events, I'd say, yeah, I'd take that. But being in the positions I've been in and having two close calls it's a little difficult. The competitor in me is very disappointed right now. I wanted to win. I always want to win, and I just didn't do enough when I needed to.''

Li, who birdied four of the last six holes, said: “It's incredible, I'm so happy. Over the last four holes I hit some of the best shots of my life.

“I just didn't realise I could make that putt on 15. That was huge. I think that was the turning point. And especially on 18, didn't realise I would make that one, either.

I believe I think my game is in good position now, and especially after this week, it gives me a lot of confidence back, especially last week, missed the cut. So never been in this position again. Just want to be myself and play some decent golf in the future.

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