Rory McIlroy dedicated his record-equalling eighth Race to Dubai title to his father Gerry, after becoming visibly emotional about the health difficulties the family has faced. The Northern Irishman matched Colin Montgomerie's record of eight European Tour Order of Merit titles at the DP World Tour Championship, securing his fifth consecutive Race to Dubai crown by finishing second behind Tyrrell Hatton at Jumeirah Golf Estates.

Asked by Sky Sports' Tim Barter how much his father had been on his mind during the final round, McIlroy struggled to hold back tears. He said Gerry had been in hospital for the past two months, underwent a major operation at the end of September, and is recovering well. Gerry was absent from the event as he continues to recover in America. Before travelling to the Middle East, McIlroy had visited him in Cleveland, where he told his son to go and win the Race to Dubai. "This one's for him," McIlroy said.S1S2

McIlroy closed with a bogey-free 67, finishing five shots behind Hatton, who won the tournament on 15-under-par. Eugenio Chacarra, who had led the season-long rankings going into the event, finished tied third on eight-under after a closing 69, and McIlroy ultimately edged him for the title. The 37-year-old had recorded only one win during the campaign, but his consistency proved decisive.S1

McIlroy said winning eight Order of Merit titles was never a goal he set for himself as a young player, recalling watching Montgomerie as a stalwart of the European Tour. "I am a very proud European player, proud to be a part of the DP World Tour," he said. Asked on the 18th green how many Race to Dubai titles might be possible, he replied, "Let's try for double digits."S1

The result came after McIlroy successfully defended his Masters title in April, becoming only the fourth player in history to retain the Green Jacket at Augusta National. It leaves him sharing the top of the DP World Tour's all-time Order of Merit honours list with Montgomerie.S1