Cabrera-Bello defeats Westwood in Dubai

Spain’s Rafael Cabrero-Bello held off a host of world-class challengers to win the Dubai Desert Classic.

The 27-year-old shot a flawless final round of 68 to post a total of 18-under par, one that runners up Lee Westwood and Stephen Gallagher could not match.

Westwood, who now overtakes Rory McIlroy as World No.2, missed a handful of makeable birdie putts, most notably a seven-footer on the 17th.

Requiring a birdie at the last to force a play-off, the English was just off the green in two on the par five but played a clumsy chip that finished 25 feet long of the flag. Both his and Steven Gallagher’s birdie putts slid by crowning Cabrera Bello as champion.

“”It’s an unbelievable feeling,” he said. “This win will open a lot of opportunities to play with the really great players.”

“I played great the entire week and, with many big names up there, I felt very proud of myself. I wanted to fight and stayed calm. I had not been in this situation before; it was really amazing.”

Marcel Siem was fourth, with joint halfway leader Rory McIlroy fifth.

McIlroy said: “I’m a little disappointed considering the position I was in going into the weekend, but I can’t be that disappointed.”

“I’m pleased with how I hit the ball and that’s very positive to take into the next few weeks.”

Check out our exclusive behind-the-scenes gallery from the Dubai Desert Classic here.