Rock steady Robert lifts Abu Dhabi title

Tuesday, 31 January 2012 16:47

Written by Editor

England’s Robert Rock won his head-to-head duel with Tiger Woods to lift the Abu Dhabi Championship title on Sunday after the former world number one saved his worst golf of the week for the final round. The two players started the day in a tie for the lead and it was the little-known Rock who held his nerve on the final day to collect a second European Tour victory with a closing 70 for 275, 13 under. Woods had shown over the first three days that the 14-times major champion was back to his best but his game unravelled on Sunday as he faded to a 72 for 277,at the demanding Abu Dhabi Golf Club.

World number three Rory McIlroy (69) finished second on 276 while Woods had to settle for a share of third spot with former U.S. Open champion Graeme McDowell (68), who had a hole-in-one at the 12th, and Dane Thomas Bjorn (68).

The bearded Rock, who started the week 117th in the rankings, was almost overcome with emotion after landing the Falcon Trophy and the first prize of 347,024 euros (£289,590.75 ).

Woods, seeking a 96th tournament victory, wore his trademark final-day red shirt and was the clear favourite to win at the start of the round. However, the pinpoint accuracy he showed with his irons and woods earlier in the event suddenly gave way to a succession of errors as he reached only one green in regulation in the opening eight holes.The 36-year-old American was digging  deep into the memory banks, producing a scrambling effort on and around the greens just to stay in contention for his first victory in a full-field event for more than two years.

"I had a chance to win the tournament and I didn't do it," said Woods. "I was just a touch off today.

"Some of my shots went a bit further than I thought they would. A couple of my three-woods went about 320 yards and a couple of my eight-irons went about 180.”

The last word though went to Rock ,"I really can't believe I did that today," said the 34-year-old Englishman after another hot day in the desert. "It is such an amazing feeling.

"I was just happy to be playing alongside Tiger, that was a special honour in itself.”