Rory McIlroy has returned from a month away from competitive action and shot a 5-under 67 with a new swing in the first round of the Abu Dhabi Championship.

Paul Waring edged out some of the DP World Tour's biggest names to claim the Abu Dhabi Championship title on Sunday.

Paul Waring held off a host of challengers at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, and kept his composure to finish two shots clear of Tyrrell Hatton and two clear of standings leader Rory McIlroy; watch

The Northern Irishman appeared to have clawed himself back into contention for Sunday's HSBC Championship finale before racking up a double-bogey seven in round three, yet he remains positive

Rory McIlroy was among the players to make a charge during a thrilling final round of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship but it was Paul Waring who held his nerve to claim victory

The wildest of circumstances would prevent Rory McIlroy from winning a sixth Order of Merit at next week’s DP World Tour Championship.

RORY MCILROY HAS finished tied for third at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, as the Irish challenge faded and Paul Waring triumphed. Tom McKibbin and Shane Lowry were either side of top-10 finishes, McKibbin in a share of 10th and Lowry agonisingly missing out on the 18th hole and closing in joint 13th.

Rory McIlroy edged slightly closer to a sixth order of merit title but will still have to wait until next week’s DP World Tour Championship to complete the formalities. The Northern Irishman finished in a tie for third at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship,