• Abu Dhabi Golf Championship, Day Four

Kaymer holds off Poulter's challenge in Abu Dhabi

Martin Kaymer "really felt the pressure on holes 16 to 18" © Getty Images

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Day four in photos

Martin Kaymer hit a final round 66 to hold off competition from Ian Poulter and Rory McIlroy and win the Abu Dhabi Championship by one stroke. The German, who finished the tournament 21-under par, will now move up to No.6 in the world rankings.

Kaymer, who emerged victorious for the second time in three years at Abu Dhabi Golf Club, saw his ruthlessly efficient putting mask any deficiencies in his green-to-green play. His final round was bogey-free, with an impressive four birdies on the first nine holes.

Despite an assured demeanour, Kaymer admitted afterwards that he was anything but calm as the event reached its close. "I really felt the pressure on holes 16 to 18," he said. "It was tight in the end, but it's nice to bring it home."

England's Poulter, who finished 20-under, led the field as late as the 12th hole. Kaymer restored parity on the 14th, and the scores remained tied until Poulter hit a wayward approach shot on the 18th. Needing to hole from the fringes to force a play-off, the World No.12 was unable to do so - thus handing victory to Kaymer.

Rory McIlroy, who ended one shot back from Poulter, was unable to benefit from a four-under back nine that featured birdies at the par threes of 12 and 15. He paid the price for some maladroit play in his first round of the event, where he double bogeyed the 11th. Shane Lowry came fourth for his best European Tour finish since turning professional.

Paul Casey carded his third consecutive 69 to finish a commendable nine-under, while Colin Montgomerie bettered his own third round by three shots to complete the course in 71.

Sergio Garcia could not continue the outstanding approach play he exhibited in the first two rounds, ending his stay in Abu Dhabi 12-under. World No.7 Henrik Stenson went one shot better, while Geoff Oglivy completed eight-under.

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