McIlroy ties Montgomerie's record with eighth Race to Dubai title

Rory McIlroy won a record-equalling eighth Race to Dubai title on Sunday, 15 November, drawing level with Colin Montgomerie on the DP World Tour's all-time list despite finishing second at the season-ending DP World Tour Championship. It is his fifth successive title, according to CBS Sports and Sky Sports.

The Race to Dubai is the DP World Tour's season-long Order of Merit, and its winner receives the Harry Vardon Trophy. McIlroy edged out Eugenio Chacarra, who had started the week in pole position, according to CBS Sports.

Hatton wins in Dubai

Tyrrell Hatton won the tournament at Jumeirah Golf Estates, finishing on 15 under. That was five strokes clear of McIlroy, who ended solo second on 10 under. Chacarra tied for third with Oliver Lindell, according to CBS Sports.

Sky Sports reports that McIlroy and Chacarra traded top spot in the projected Race to Dubai rankings several times during the final round before McIlroy secured the title. CBS Sports said a wedge into the par-4 16th set up a birdie that proved decisive.

Hatton told reporters, as quoted by CBS Sports: "This is really special. I was really nervous today."

Title dedicated to his father

Sky Sports reports that McIlroy fought back tears as he dedicated the title to his father, Gerry, who is in hospital in Cleveland following a major operation at the end of September.

"He underwent a huge operation at the end of September and he is recovering well, thankfully," McIlroy said. He added that before travelling to the Middle East he visited his father, who told him to go and win the Race to Dubai.

"This one is for him."

McIlroy also said he had spent nine days in intensive care with his father while he was recovering, and that he had not been sure he would travel to India for an earlier event.

What it means

The title moves McIlroy level with Montgomerie on eight Order of Merit wins. CBS Sports described him as the world No. 2, while Sky Sports referred to him as the Masters champion.

McIlroy said the milestone meant a great deal. "To pull up alongside him and to win eight of these things, yeah, it means the world to me," he said. "I'm a very proud European. I'm a proud European player. I'm proud to be a part of the DP World Tour."

Hatton's win came a week after his former LIV Golf team-mate Jon Rahm won in Abu Dhabi, CBS Sports reported.