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Golf: Runner-up Daniel Hillier one shot off victory at rich Dubai tournament
New Zealand golfer Daniel Hillier's emotions were "bittersweet" after finishing a narrow runner-up at the rich Dubai Desert Classic.
Hillier pocketed $1.8 million for finishing second behind England's Tyrrell Hatton at the World Tour event, with the pair having fought out a tense tussle over the final round.
The 26-year-old New Zealander held an overnight one-shot lead, but his one-under 71 wasn't enough to stave off Tyrrell, who carded 69 to finish on 15-under at the Majlis course.
England's Laurie Canter was third, one shot behind Hillier on 13-under, while New Zealand's Ryan Fox faded slightly on the final day, shooting 72 to finish on nine-under in a share of 10th place.
Hatton drew level on the third hole and took the lead on the fifth with birdies, and remained in front throughout the round.
However, Hillier stayed close and almost forced a playoff on the 18th hole when sinking a nine-foot putt for birdie. Hatton responded with a five-foot putt to secure the title.
World No.223 Hillier was a mixture of emotions after coming so close to a result which he had conceded would have been "life-changing".
"It's bittersweet, that's for sure. Yeah, I didn't have my best today obviously but I fought hard all day. I'm just proud I've given myself a chance down the stretch.
"Hats off to Tyrrell. He was pretty solid down the stretch there. He's class. Well done to him."
Hillier's form has been modest since his maiden Tour win at the British Masters 18 months ago. He was determined to make a better start to the season.
"I definitely proved to myself that I belong here and I can compete when I'm on. So hopefully I can come back and try to get it another year," he said.
"One of my goals was to get off to a better start than I have the last couple of seasons. I've been playing catch-up in the second half of the year.
"I've started off solid in Aussie and South Africa and then come here and put up one of my best performances. Absolutely stoked."
Hatton said he felt "amazing" after securing a fifth Tour title.
"I said earlier in the week, this is one of the events that you would like to have on your CV. It's such an iconic event for the World Tour.
"I'm not going to lie, I was pretty nervous on the back nine to be honest. I guess I just maybe wanted it a bit too much.
"I knew the position I was in, and a little bit scruffy down the last. But yeah, to see that putt go in felt amazing. Just so happy to win."
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