Westwood takes top spot in Europe

Lee Westwood is back as Europe’s number one – and €1.77m richer as well - after becoming the inaugural winner of the season-ending Dubai World Championship.

The 36-year-old, two ahead overnight and five clear of money list leader Rory McIlroy, produced a sizzling closing 64 – the lowest round of the week – to win by six from fellow Englishman Ross McGowan.

McIlroy finished third after a 67, but it was never going to be enough to keep hold of his Order of Merit advantage.

Final Dubai Leaderboard:

23 under - Lee Westwood (after 72 holes)

17 under – Ross McGowan (72)

15 under – Rory McIlroy (72)

14 under – Padraig Harrington (72)

Geoff Ogilvy (Aus) (72)

13 under – Alexander Noren (Swe) (72)

12 under – Sergio Garcia (Spa) (72)

Adam Scott (Aus) (72)

10 under – Peter Hanson (Swe) (72)

Miguel Angel Jimenez (Spa) (72)

Ian Poulter (72)

9 under – Louis Oosthuizen (Rsa) (72)

8 under – Thomas Aiken (Rsa) (72)

Robert Allenby (Aus) (72)

Jeev Milkha Singh (Ind) (72)

7 under – Bradley Dredge (72)

Retief Goosen (Rsa) (72)

Wen-chong Liang (Chn) (72)

Camilo Villegas (Col) (72)

Anthony Wall (72)