Li lights up Dubai Desert Classic: in the bag
Li becomes first Chinese player to enter top 50 after one-stroke victory over Rory McIlroy
Haotong Li held off a resurgent Rory McIlroy at the Dubai Desert Classic to finish one-stroke ahead of the four-time major champion.
The 22-year-old finished on -23, a record for the event, becoming the first Chinese player to enter the world’s top 50.
McIlroy looked set to take the trophy when boasting a two-stroke lead with six holes to play, but was unable to answer Li’s four birdies coming home - “I’m pissed off” was McIlroy’s assessment.
This was Li’s second win on the European Tour, after he picked up the Volvo China Open in 2016.
“I don’t have many trophies at home so I don’t mind trying to lift this massive one,’ he said. ‘It was incredible to play with Rory and beat him, and I learned a lot.”
Driver: TaylorMade M2 2017 (9.5-Degree, MRC Tensei Blue)
Fairway: Callaway Rogue
Hybrid: Callaway Epic
Irons:TaylorMade P750 4-9 (Nippon Modus 3 120X)
Wedges:TaylorMade Milled Grind 48-degree, 54-degree, 58-degree (Nippon Modus 3 120X)
Putter:Bettinardi Custom Studio Stock 3 Tour
Ball:Titleist Pro V1
