News All Articles
Li's final-round battles
News

Li's final-round battles

China's Li Haotong found himself in the shake-up once again as the Saudi International powered by SBIA neared its conclusion on Sunday.

Li Haotong

Li is no stranger to a final-round battle on the European Tour, having been involved in several.

Here, we take a look at some of them.

2018 Omega Dubai Desert Classic - V Rory McIlroy

Li entered the final round one shot clear of McIlroy but found himself two behind after ten holes as the four-time Major winner turned on the style at Emirates Golf Club. But Li saved his best for last, firing birdies at the 13th, 15th, 17th and 18th to win by a single shot and set the tournament record for the lowest overall score at 23 under par.

2018 Turkish Airlines Open - V Justin Rose

On this occasion, Li took a three-shot advantage into the fourth round but that lead had completely vanished as he made his way down the stretch. Englishman Rose was the new leader, moving two clear with four holes remaining after producing a typically consistent display. A remarkable eagle on the 15th hauled Li level once more and both men closed with a bogey to finish on 17 under par - so a play-off was required to separate them. A Li three-putt on the first trip back up the last handed Rose the title.

2019 Omega Dubai Desert Classic - V Bryson DeChambeau

Defending champion Li came into the final round trailing World Number Five DeChambeau by a single shot but could not keep in touch with the in-form American. DeChambeau made one eagle, seven birdies and a single bogey in his closing 64 to win the tournament by seven shots. Li finished ten strokes behind the champion after being handed a two-shot penalty at the 18th.

2019 Saudi International powered by SBIA - V Dustin Johnson



Li began the final round alongside Johnson on 16 under par after producing four eagles in Saturday's third-round 62. There was nothing to separate the overnight co-leaders in the early stages on Sunday, with both players each making one birdie in their opening eight holes to get to 17 under. Li edged ahead when he holed his approach from high above the ninth green for a birdie to jump to 18 under. But as Johnson made gains at the 11th and 12th to edge ahead, Li dropped shots at the 13th and 14th to fall three behind. Johnson dropped a shot at the 16th but finished with back-to-back birdies to win by two strokes.

Read next