Nahyan bin Mubarak Honors Winner of Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship

Photo : Abu Dhabi Media Office

His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, the UAE’s Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, recently honored English golfer Paul Waring, who emerged as the champion of the 19th edition of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship. The prestigious event, which took place over four days at the Yas Links course on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, was a significant fixture in the golf calendar. It also served as one of two qualifying tournaments for the DP World Tour, marking it as the fourth event in the highly regarded Rolex Series this season.

The tournament was organized by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC) in partnership with the European Tour, drawing 70 of the best players of the season. The competition was intense, as the top 50 players in the Race to Dubai standings competed, with the best in this group qualifying for the DP World Tour Championship, which will conclude the golf season in Dubai next week.

The prize-giving ceremony was a notable occasion, attended by key dignitaries, including His Excellency Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Emirates Golf Federation, and Aref Hamad Al Awani, the General-Secretary of ADSC. Other notable attendees included Abdulfattah Sharaf, Chairman of HSBC Bank Middle East, Mohammed Al Marzooqi, CEO of HSBC UAE, as well as senior officials from the European Tour Group and DP World Tour.

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Paul Waring sealed his victory with a remarkable performance, finishing six strokes under par on the final day, bringing his total score to 24 strokes under par over the four days of play. His performance helped him secure first place ahead of his compatriot, Tyrrell Hatton, who finished second with 22 strokes under par. In a three-way tie for third place, Denmark's Thorbjørn Olesen, Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy, and England’s Matt Wallis all finished with 21 strokes under par.

His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan praised the event, highlighting Abu Dhabi’s growing reputation as a global sports destination. He noted that the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship has been integral in boosting the local tourism sector by attracting international visitors and promoting the UAE’s leadership in sports. He also emphasized the role the championship plays in promoting values of tolerance, coexistence, and peace, which are central to the Emirate’s identity. 

Since its debut in 2006, the championship has consistently contributed to Abu Dhabi’s global sporting presence. This 19th edition at Yas Links marks another milestone in its ongoing success, further reinforcing the city’s capacity to host world-class sporting events.

Aref Hamad Al Awani, General-Secretary of the ADSC, extended his gratitude to the event’s sponsors, partners, the local organizing committee, volunteers, and the European Tour for their dedication in ensuring the tournament’s success. Al Awani also commended the large audience turnout throughout the four-day event, along with the millions who followed the competition on television. He stressed ADSC’s commitment to advancing the growth of golf in the region and promoting an active lifestyle across the Middle East through international tournaments and related academic programs.

In his victory speech, Paul Waring expressed his delight at winning the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship for the first time, describing it as one of the toughest tournaments in the region, given the fierce competition among the world’s best golfers.

Waring took home the tournament's grand prize of US$1.53 million, along with 1,500 Race to Dubai points. Tyrrell Hatton, who finished in second place, earned US$990,000 and 1,000 points. This victory marks a significant achievement in Waring’s career, and the championship’s successful execution has once again solidified Abu Dhabi’s place on the international sporting map.