Paul Waring wins the Abu Dhabi Championship for the biggest victory of his career

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates — Paul Waring carded a 6-under 66 to win the Abu Dhabi Championship in the biggest victory of his career on Sunday.

The 229th-ranked Englishman had a one-stroke lead overnight and finished 24 under. He was even surprised by how well the fourth and final round went.

“It was a really easy day, wasn’t it? It means a lot,” said the 39-year-old Waring. “To control myself the way I did today, I’m proud of myself.”

He finished two shots clear of fellow countryman Tyrrell Hatton – who had eight birdies for a 64 – and three clear of Danish golfer Thorbjorn Olesen (66), Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy (64) and England’s Matt Wallace (63) tied for third.

It was his second DP World Tour title in his 332nd appearance and six years after his Nordea Masters debut.

Waring’s score of 19-under after two rounds at Abu Dhabi’s Yas Links was the lowest 36-hole score to equal European Tour history.

He now faces the prospect of playing as a dual member on the DP World Tour and the PGA Tour.

“I was very happy to be in Dubai to be honest with you,” he said. “It’s going to be a long way to go, a long way to America. But I’m looking forward to it. It’s a new challenge. It’s completely done.”

Sunday’s victory also booked him a spot at The Open next year.