Resilient Rory McIlroy savours victory in Classic style

ECSTATIC: Rory McIlroy celebrates after winning the final round of the Dubai Desert Classic 2023 Golf Championship at the Emirates Golf Club in Dubai. Pic: Karim Sahib/AFP via Getty Images

An ecstatic Rory McIlroy believes he has plenty of room for improvement after holding off a brilliant challenge from rival Patrick Reed to win a third Hero Dubai Desert Classic title in dramatic style.

McIlroy birdied the final two holes at Emirates Golf Club to card a closing 68 and finish a shot ahead of Reed on 19 under par as the first Monday finish in the tournament's history proved well worth the wait.