New Zealand golfer Daniel Hillier has come up just short in his bid for his second DP World Tour victory.
Hillier led by one stroke heading into the final round at the Dubai Desert Classic on Sunday (Monday NZ Time) but ultimately finished runner-up, one shot behind European Ryder Cup player Tyrrell Hatton.
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The 26-year-old Kiwi could only manage a one-under 71 to finish at 14-under at the Emirates Golf Club in Dubai, his worst round of the week, but still collected almost €1 million for his efforts.
Hillier had bogeys at the first and fifth holes on the front-nine, along with a birdie, but moved back into contention with back-to-back birdies at the 10th and 11th holes. A bogey followed at the 12th, as it did for Hatton.
The Englishman birdied the par-four 16th for a two-shot lead, before Hillier birdied the last with an eight-foot putt, with his chip from just off the green for eagle to potentially force a playoff just missed.
Hatton, who closed with a three-under 69, laid-up at the par-five and comfortably two-putted for his eighth victory on the European circuit.
“It's bittersweet, that's for sure," said Hillier. "Yeah, I didn't have my best today obviously but I fought hard all day, just barely gave 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.”
Meanwhile, Kiwi No 1 Ryan Fox also posted a top-10 result, finishing with an even-par 72 to claim a share of 10th at nine-under.
Fox started his round bogey-birdie, before seven straight pars on the front-nine. He had birdies at the 10th and 18th and bogeys at the 12th and 14th on the homeward nine.
Hillier's result will see him jump to second in the DP World Tour's Road To Dubai Rankings, behind Hatton, while Fox is expected to rise to 34th ahead of this week's Ras Al Khaimah Championship, which he won in 2022.