Luke Donald today became the first man to win the money lists on both sides of the Atlantic in the same season.
Donald was still on the Earth course in Dubai when Rory McIlroy, his only remaining challenger on the European circuit, failed to achieve the win he needed to keep the race alive.
Even then, England’s world number one was odds-on to add the title to his PGA Tour crown. He required a top-nine finish and was joint fourth with four to play.
Spaniard Alvaro Quiros led the Dubai World Championship tournament by one from Scot Paul Lawrie, also playing the 15th.