• Hong Kong Open, Round Four

Brilliant McIlroy wins in Hong Kong

Rory McIlroy was a happy man after keeping the Race to Dubai alive © PA Photos

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Rory McIlroy holed from a bunker on the 18th to win the Hong Kong Open.

The Ulsterman put himself on the back foot with a poor round on Saturday, but he bounced back superbly despite admitting to not being happy with his swing.

And in beating Gregory Havret by two shots, McIlroy sets up a thrilling conclusion to the season as it means he can still overhaul Luke Donald as European No. 1 at the Dubai World Championship.

McIlroy stood on the 18th tee one clear of Havret and took three wood for position. He found the fairway but opened the door by sending his approach into the greenside bunker. Any thoughts of a play-off were soon extinguished as he turned a potential bogey into a birdie by splashing out superbly and saw the ball drop into the cup.

The win - which came courtesy of a bogey-free 65 - proved McIlroy can win by grinding, as opposed to his US Open romp, and his extended celebration with his caddie demonstrated the delight it gave him.

"I've wanted to win this tournament so badly since that play-off in 2008," McIlroy, who has gone close before at Fanling, said. "I've had to wait a couple of years to get there but to get this trophy in my hands is very special.

"It meant a lot knowing that I had to go out there and play well to keep myself alive in the Race to Dubai, probably to keep second place in the World Rankings. To produce the sort of golf I did today was very pleasing."

McIlroy has not yet confirmed his full schedule for 2012, but it would appear as if he will be heading back to Hong Kong.

He said: "I'll always come back to the tournaments that I love and Hong Kong is one of those tournaments. I absolutely love it here and it will be great to come back next year and defend this title."

World No. 2 McIlroy began the day three adrift of overnight leader Alvaro Quiros but the Spaniard endured a nightmare day. He started with a bogey on one and doubley-bogeyed seven to turn in 39. He failed to gain any traction coming home to finish in seventh.

Peter Hanson failed to capitalise on Quiros' poor showing as he went round in level-par 70 to finish three adrift of McIlroy.

Havret finished second following a 65, while Ian Poulter showed a welcome return to form with a closing 66 for a share of fourth place with Richie Ramsay and Pariya Junhasavasdikul.

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