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McIlroy - Monkey off my back

Teenager conquers back nine demons

Last updated: 1st February 2009

McIlroy: four-foot putt to win

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Rory McIlroy seemed more relieved than delighted after claiming his first European Tour title at the Dubai Desert Classic.

The Northern Irish teenager, who has already had four top 10s this season, was six shots clear at one stage of his fourth round but after a late wobble, he had to hole a four-foot par putt on the last to beat Justin Rose by a shot.

"This is my first win, and it was really hard," he said. "It has taken a monkey off my back, having lost in play-offs (in Hong Kong and Switzerland).

"I got myself into a great position at the middle of the back nine, let a few shots slip when Justin birdied a couple of them. I fought back and it is nice to hold it together on the last with a great up-and-down for the victory.

"I went to the 18th tee, knowing I still had a one-shot lead and Justin needed to birdie it. I hit a perfect lay-up shot and it was just a little bit of adrenaline, my hands got into it and I flipped my third shot into the bunker.

"It was tricky up and down and I took a few deep breaths and composed myself. It was probably one of the best bunker shots I have ever played. To knock the putt in was just great."

Rose, who in contrast to McIlroy's serene progress, missed 21 straight cuts after turning professional, was magnaminous.

"I gave it as good a run as I could, but I'm obviously pleased for Rory," the Englishman said. "I knew the situation coming in. The wind really picked up and its hard to close out your first win. I just knew I had to stick around.

"You know how much this means to him, and certainly a win at this stage of the season would have been fantastic for me, as well," Rose added. "And I certainly wasn't trying to miss my putt."