Jon Rahm wins Abu Dhabi thriller as Rory McIlroy boosts Race to Dubai hopes

Rahm and Hatton were in the final group at Yas Links alongside Francesco Laporta, and the trio and Rory McIlroy briefly shared the lead at 20 under on the back nine before Rahm motored ahead to card a final-round 67.

Hatton ensured his good friend had something to think about, but Rahm held on to claim a two-shot victory with a 23-under-par total.

"It means a lot," Rahm said. "I'm almost not letting myself believe it because it's been quite a while since I played good in a DP World Tour event and my last showing, if we don't count withdrawals, I think I finished last.

"So last to first, it's a pretty good feeling.

"As far as I'm concerned, apart from the tee-shot at 17 it was a pretty flawless back nine. It was really, really solid.

"I was never in danger of making a bogey except that one hole so a lot of them deserve a lot of credit, but definitely that second shot on 15, that six iron might be contender for shot of the year for me.

"After everything that's gone on and some poor play, battles mentally with the noise, to come back out after a little bit of rest and having a new addition to the family, it's special."

Hatton signed for a final-round 68 to claim solo second at 21 under and sealed his place at next week's DP World Tour Championship.

McIlroy climbed up to second on the Race to Dubai Rankings in his bid for a record-equalling eighth Harry Vardon Trophy with a third-placed finish at 19 under.

Laporta was two shots further back in fourth, with Spanish duo Angel Ayora and David Puig and Bernd Wiesberger at 16 under.

Jayden Schaper was in solo eighth at 15 under, while English pair Nathan Kimsey and Matthew Jordan, Adam Scott, Frederic Lacroix and Freddy Schott were one shot further back.

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