'I left myself with too much to do' - McIlroy

Rory McIlroy was aiming for his third successive Dubai Desert Classic triumph and overall fifth victory in the event

Rory McIlroy said he left himself with "a bit too much to do" after a closing 66 meant he finished in a share of fourth spot at the Dubai Desert Classic - three shots behind winner Tyrrell Hatton.

After starting the day seven off the pace, McIlroy needed a fast start on Sunday to keep alive his hopes of a third successive triumph in the event.

However, it didn't come before a birdie at the seventh kickstarted a run of better form which included back-to-back gains at the beginning of the back nine.

"I had chances and was burning the edges. I felt like I putted pretty well without anything going in," the world number three told Sky Sports.

"Today I didn't really feel I played that differently to the way I played the last few days. I just holed a couple of putts and made a couple of good up-and-downs when I had to."

McIlroy's 12-under-par total left him one ahead of compatriot Tom McKibbin who shared sixth spot after a closing 69.

McKibbin, 22, produced a brave par at the last after finding water with his tee-shot as he holed a trick downhill eight-foot putt.

The 2023 European Open champion has been heavily linked with a move to LIV Golf and McIlroy said on Wednesday that he had advised McKibbin against switching to the Saudi-funded circuit.