Li Haotong holds off Rory Mcllroy to win Dubai Desert Classic

Twenty-two-year-old Li Haotong held off four-time major winner Rory McIlroy to win the Dubai Desert Classic.

China's Li Haotong celebrates after he won the Dubai Desert Classic golf tournament in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018. [Photo: AP]

The world number 60 from China, who won the 2016 China Open and finished third at last year's Open Championship, is the first Asian winner of the event.

He earned the biggest victory of his career with a tournament record score 23-under-par 265.

"This is very meaningful to me because I usually start the year badly. But this year it's only the second tournament and I have won, and in such a group with Rory McIlroy. He gave a lot of pressure on the final round and I made some mistakes myself," said Li.

"But I'm really happy I grabbed the chances on the very last couple of shots. This is definitely a wonderful experience and an opportunity to learn from top players."

China's Li Haotong tees off on the 3rd hole during the third round of the Dubai Desert Classic golf tournament in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Saturday, Jan. 27, 2018. [Photo: AP]

Li led by one shot ahead of the final round.

He finished the last day with three under 69 to win by one shot over McIlroy, who also shot a 69.

Li's second European Tour win will lift him to around 32nd in the world rankings, making him the first Chinese player to break into the top 50.