DUBAI: India's Arjun Atwal ended a frustrating four-year title drought by winning the inaugural Dubai Open by one stroke on Sunday after Korean teenager Wang Jeung-Hun bogeyed the final hole.
Atwal, a former Asian Tour No.1, trailed by one heading into the par-five 18th hole at the magnificent Els Club Dubai but emerged victorious with a closing birdie while a nervous Wang posted a six following a wayward second shot which ended in a bush.
The 41-year-old Indian, one of four overnight leaders at the final tournament of the 2014 Asian Tour season, ended the day of high drama by signing off with a six-under-par 66 and a winning total of 16-under-par 2727 while Wang carded for a 67.
Scotsman Simon Yates took third place following a 68.
"This one feels really special," beamed Atwal, whose last victory came at the 2010 Wyndham Championship on the PGA Tour.
"I think the last time I won on the Asian Tour was 2008 [Maybank Malaysian Open]. I've gone through some really tough times the last few years with injuries and losing my card on the PGA Tour and all that stuff. It was at a point where I almost wanted to quit. Thanks to a few of my family and friends, I didn't, and here we are."
After opening his week with a 73, Atwal said his putting clicked that he needed only 27, 24 and 25 putts over the last three rounds after taking 34 strokes on day one.