KUUMAR SHYAM (ABU DHABI)

Jon Rahm marked his return to the DP World Tour with victory at the Aldar Abu Dhabi Championship, securing a record sixth Rolex Series title after holding off Ryder Cup team-mate Tyrrell Hatton at the Yas Links on Sunday.

The Spaniard carded a five-under-par 67 in the final round to finish on 23-under 265, two shots clear of Hatton, who signed off for a 68. The victory was Rahm’s 11th on the DP World Tour, formerly known as the European Tour, and his first in Abu Dhabi on his tournament debut.

The triumph also came at a significant point in Rahm’s career following his departure from LIV Golf last month.

The 31-year-old, who turns 32 on Tuesday, admitted the victory was particularly satisfying after a difficult period on the course and away from it.

"It would mean a lot," Rahm said. "I'm almost not letting myself believe it because it's been a quite a while since I played good in a DP World Tour event and my last showing, if we don't count withdrawals, I think I finished last. "So last to first, it's a pretty good feeling."

Rahm faced a competitive challenge on the final day, with Hatton, Francesco Laporta and Rory McIlroy all sharing the lead at different stages of the back nine.

The Spaniard moved ahead with consecutive birdies from the fifth and regained control after reaching the turn level with Laporta at 20 under.

The decisive moments came around the 12th and 13th holes. While Laporta dropped a shot at the 12th before recording a triple bogey at the next, Rahm capitalised with a birdie to extend his advantage.

A precise approach at the 15th set up another birdie, keeping Hatton at arm's length before Rahm closed with three successive pars.

"After everything that's gone on and some poor play, battles mentally with the noise, to come back out after a little bit of rest and having a new addition to the family, it's special," he said.

Hatton finished second on 21 under, while McIlroy took third at 19 under. The Northern Irishman also moved up to second in the Race to Dubai Rankings delivered by DP World, strengthening his bid for a record-equalling eighth Harry Vardon Trophy.

Laporta finished fourth, while Angel Ayora, David Puig and Bernd Wiesberger shared fifth place on 16 under.