Danny Willett claims narrow victory at the Dubai Desert Classic

Danny Willett of England holds the trophy after he won the Dubai Desert Classic golf tournament in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016.

Taking a one-shot lead in to the final round, Willett slipped back alongside midway pacesetter Cabrera-Bello with a blemish at the second but quickly moved three clear with three birdies in a four-hole stretch.

England’s Andy Sullivan (66), who finished runner-up to McIlroy in November’s DP World Tour Championship, was third at 202, Netherland’s Joost Luiten (67) fourth at 203 and recent Joburg Open victor, Hadyn Porteus of South Africa, fifth at 204.

Willett’s only bogey of the day came on the par-4 12th hole, one of the toughest on the course.

Cabrera-Bello, Willett’s playing partner, picked up shots on each of the last two holes in a late push for a potential play-off berth, but long-time leader Willett was not to be denied.

But things started to tighten down the stretch, and after Sullivan and Cabrera-Bello both birdied No. 18, the tournament seemed to be headed for a three-way playoff.

“Knowing how popular Rory is in these parts, I knew we were going to be followed by big galleries”, said Dredge.

Everything you wanted to know about Sully was on show over the closing holes as he battled with his driving and yet holed all the putts that mattered to stay in contention. You can’t pay for that experience, you’ve got to earn it. “I didn’t feel like I put him under enough pressure through the midpoint of the round”.

‘However, it’s been a good rust-shaking exercise and while I didn’t get the win I wanted it was two solid performances.

‘It’s okay I guess, ‘ he said.

“That really would be incredible, but there’s still a lot to play for”.

“Lots of players are not far off the lead and all of them are going to have a chance tomorrow and they are definitely as hungry as I am, if not more. I played a lot of great shots and made a lot of birdies, but just made a few too many mistakes, as well”, said the Northern Irishman.

Not quite so brilliant – but almost – was world number two and defending champion, Rory McIlroy.

McIlroy saved his best for last with a closing 65 to rach 15-under, but paid the price for a second round of 72 and a front nine of 37 on Saturday.