Jon Rahm seals impressive Dubai double

Rahm had previously won here in 2017 and it shows up once again on his honours list now after a card of 269 strokes across the four rounds (66, 69, 66 and 68). This left him on 19 under par overall, ahead of Brit Tommy Fletwood, with 270, and Frenchman Mike Lorenzo-Vera, with 271.

This second victory for Rahm in Dubai allows him to lead 'the race' for the first time in his career, making him, in the eyes of the world, the best player this year on the European Tour.

A day of "ups and downs"

Rahm sealed this honour after a day of "ups and downs", with four bogeys and eight birdies. The last was on hole 18. "How many times in your career do you find yourself in this situation? I needed a birdie to win the tournament and I said to myself that I needed to make the most of the opportunity. Luckily, I did it well; I made the putt," he said on Sunday.

With his fourth win on the Rolex Series, Jon Rahm brings the curtain down on "a big year". "I knew it was a risk taking a six-week holiday before coming to Dubai but I needed it. Rest is also important. Let's hope I have a good 2020," said Spain's top golfer after picking up the double prize of trophy winner and the leader's baton.