Hatten Comeback Victory "Defeated World No. 6"... McIlroy Ranks 3rd

European Tour 2021 Season Opener Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship Final Day 6-Under Par '4-Shot Victory', Skriver 2nd

Tyrell Hatton is cheering while holding the trophy immediately after winning the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship. Abu Dhabi (UAE) = Getty Images / Photo by Multibits

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] It was a spectacular come-from-behind victory for Tyrrell Hatton (England).

On the night of the 24th (Korean time) at Abu Dhabi Golf Club (Par 72, 7,583 yards) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), the final day of the European Tour 2021 season opener, the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship (total prize money $8 million), Hatton surged with a 6-under-par round to secure a commanding 4-stroke victory (18-under-par 270). This marked his first win of the season and his sixth career victory, three months after the BMW PGA Championship in October last year, earning a winner's prize of $1,186,000 (1.311 billion KRW).

Hatton drew even more spotlight as he faced world No. 6 Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland) in the champion group. Starting one stroke behind in second place, Hatton collected six birdies, while third-round leader McIlroy struggled with four birdies and four bogeys, finishing even par and dropping to third place (13-under-par 275). Jason Scrivener (Australia) added a 6-under-par round to move up to second place (14-under-par 274).

Hatton is the first player in history to successfully defend his title consecutively at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in 2016 and 2017. He has shown particular strength in high-profile matches, including wins at the Italian Open in October 2017 and the Turkish Airlines Open in November 2019. In 2017, he expanded his domain to the PGA Tour, capturing the Arnold Palmer Invitational title in March last year. He has maintained momentum into the 2021 season, including a tie for third at The CJ Cup last October.

Hatton opened the scoring on the day with a birdie at the 2nd hole (par 4), then surged to a share of the lead with a birdie at the 7th hole (par 3). He continued his momentum with back-to-back birdies at the 9th and 10th holes, and sealed his victory early with two more birdies at the 13th and 16th holes. Currently ranked 9th in the world, this win is expected to propel him into the top 5. "It's great to start the season in Abu Dhabi," he exclaimed, "I will work even harder this year to join the Ryder Cup."

Rory McIlroy is making a trouble shot on the 8th hole during the final day of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship. Abu Dhabi (UAE) = Getty Images / Multibits

It is interesting that McIlroy has finished second in this tournament four times?in 2011, 2012, 2014, and 2015. He has also placed third three times?in 2016, 2018, and this year?making it a land of both love and frustration. Rafa Cabrera Bello (Spain) finished 4th (12-under-par 276), and Tommy Fleetwood (England), the two-time defending champion from 2017-2018, tied for 7th (10-under-par 278). Defending champion Lee Westwood (England) ended up tied for 62nd (3-over-par 291).