The Northern Irishman appeared to have clawed himself back into contention for Sunday's HSBC Championship finale before racking up a double-bogey seven in round three, yet he remains positive

Paul Waring, a 39-year-old with one win to his credit, doubled his win total and likely a PGA Tour card with win.

Paul Waring held off a host of challengers at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, and kept his composure to finish two shots clear of Tyrrell Hatton and two clear of standings leader Rory McIlroy; watch

Rory McIlroy's charge at the Abu Dhabi Championship faltered when he found water off his drive and made double bogey on the last hole, leaving him five shots off the lead held by Paul Waring heading into the final round.

Rory McIlroy was among the players to make a charge during a thrilling final round of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship but it was Paul Waring who held his nerve to claim victory

The wildest of circumstances would prevent Rory McIlroy from winning a sixth Order of Merit at next week’s DP World Tour Championship.

RORY MCILROY HAS finished tied for third at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, with Tom McKibbin in a share of 10th. Shane Lowry’s challenge faded and he just missed out on a top-10 finish on the 18th hole.