ABU DHABI // Martin Kaymer's love affair with Abu Dhabi reached a new peak last night as the German held himself together under enormous pressure to triumph on the National Course for the second time in three years. Kaymer, who emulated England's Paul Casey in recapturing the Falcon Trophy, finally got the better of a determined Ian Poulter on the last of the 72 holes.
The two fierce but friendly rivals were locked together on 20-under par before Kaymer produced a stunning approach to the 18th green which set up his clinching sixth birdie of a winning round of 66. The tournament had looked set to go to a play-off with the two leaders level throughout much of the final day. It left Poulter, who also went round in six under par, to reflect on how things could so easily have gone his way.
Kaymer, who finished a shot ahead of Poulter and two clear of third-placed Rory McIlroy, was understandably elated about his fifth professional victory which is likely to propel him to a career-high sixth in the world rankings. "These have been four fantastic days but this was extra special," he said. "I played really solid, but I had to because it was very tight in the middle and all of a sudden I was not leading the tournament any more."
Kaymer, who earned ?250,000 (Dh1.29million) for his superbly consistent display - three 67s preceded his 66 - disclosed that he never considered the safe option of a lay-up at the decisive last hole. "No way. I'm an aggressive player looking to win tournaments and to win this one I needed to make birdie on the last," he said. "I saw Ian lay it up and thought that to make birdie would at least get me into sudden death. I'm delighted it proved enough to win."
wjohnson@thenational.ae
