Fitzpatrick wins Dubai finale, Stenson takes Race to Dubai

England's Matthew Fitzpatrick landed his third career European Tour title with a one-shot victory over Tyrrell Hatton at the season-ending DP World Tour Championship, Dubai. 

Fitzpatrick, 22, birdied the final hole to finish on 17-under and seal a hat-trick of European Tour wins in the space of 13 months.

His compatriot Tyrrell Hatton, who looked to have put one hand on the trophy when holing his bunker shot for par at 17, led by one shot playing the reachable par-5 18th but found water with his tee shot and went on to make bogey. 

Fitzpatrick, playing in the group behind Hatton, found the greenside bunker with his second shot but duly got up and down for birdie and the win.

South Africa's Charl Schwartzel finished a further two shots back in third.
 

"It means the world," said Fitzpatrick, who vaulted up to sixth in the final Race to Dubai standings.

"To win one of these Final Series events is really special, and this one in particular - obviously the last tournament of the year. For me to win on the final week of the year is special.

"Four footers aren't normally what you want for the win but to finish it off like that makes it a lot sweeter.

"It's been a long year for me, and I've got to admit, this is just icing on the cake as a year goes. It's been a great one."
 

A disappointed Hatton, who landed his maiden European Tour title a month ago at St Andrews, said: "Obviously it's a bitter pill to swallow, but it's been a great week and for me it's been the best year of my life. So I can't get too downbeat, but these things happen.

"You know, it is what it is and I'm happy with how the week went. I'm sure hopefully in the future, I'll take my next chance."

Meanwhile in the battle to become European number one, Open champion Henrik Stenson closed with a stunning 65 to finish in a tie for ninth on 12-under and collect his second to Dubai title.

Playing partner Rory McIlroy matched the Swede's round of 65 to finish in tied ninth.

Masters champion Danny Willett finished well down the field on 1-under but finished second in the Race to Dubai, while four-time winner Alex Noren took third, Hatton fourth and McIlroy fifth.

1. STENSON - 4,148,402 (18 tournaments)
2. WILLETT - 3,734,528 (24 tournaments)
3. NOREN - 3,447,323 (22 tournaments)
4.HATTON - 3,233,586 (23 tournaments)
5. MCILROY - 2,971,988 (13 tournaments)