Willett birdies final hole to win Dubai Classic

Danny Willett of England tees off on the 8th hole of the Dubai Desert Classic. (Kamran Jebreili/AP)

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Danny Willett of England sank a birdie putt from 15 feet on the final hole to win the Dubai Desert Classic title by one shot on Sunday.

Fellow Englishman Andy Sullivan (68) and Spain’s Rafael Cabrera-Bello (69) set the clubhouse pace for overnight leader Willett, who protected his slim advantage with a 3-under round of 69.

It was the fourth European Tour win for Willett, who finished on 19 under 269.

The two pre-tournament favourites — Rory McIlroy (65) and Henrik Stenson (66) — finished tied for sixth on 273.

Korea’s Byeong Hun-An (65) and Spain’s Alvaro Quiros (65) were in joint fourth place on 272.

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