A World Cup full of memorable moments was also marked by exclusion, exploitation and unprecedented political meddling, writes JAMES NALTON
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Li triumphs in Dubai as McIlroy loses lead
China’s Li Haotong celebrate his win
From Barry McGuigan and Carl Frampton to Tyrone McKenna and Lewis Crocker, the city’s fighters carry a complex history into the ring, writes JOHN WIGHT
RORY McILROY made no attempt to hide his frustration after squandering a two-shot lead with eight holes to play today as China’s Li Haotong claimed the biggest win of his career in the Dubai Desert Classic.
McIlroy overturned a one-shot overnight deficit with the aid of three birdies in the first 10 holes at Emirates Golf Club, but bogeyed the 11th and 16th as well as three-putting the par-five 13th for par.
And although the four-time major winner birdied the final two holes, Li did likewise under enormous pressure to complete a closing 69 and win by a single shot.
