Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship - The debrief

The first Rolex Series event of the 2023 season lived up to its billing as some of the world's best players put on a show at Yas Links Abu Dhabi. Here is everything you need to know from the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.

Perez wins after late drama

We were treated to an exciting finale on Sunday afternoon as Victor Perez produced a strong shot-of-the-week contender from the bunker at the 17th to secure a miracle birdie and stretch his lead to two shots with one to play. But he endured a roller-coaster ride at the 18th as he found another bunker off the tee before sending his second shot into the penalty area. He escaped with a bogey there, meaning Min Woo Lee required an eagle at the last in the final group to catch him. And in a late twist, the Australian came agonisingly close to doing so, as his approach trundled towards the hole before finishing two feet short. Perez said: "To hole that bunker shot on 17 is probably going to be a highlight for a little bit I hope. I was delighted with that, and six was enough on 18."

Awesome albatross and amazing aces

Paul Waring achieved a very rare feat on day two, holing his second shot at the par-five 11th from 202 yards with a six iron for an albatross. Then in the final round there were not one, but two aces. Dan Bradbury won a new Genesis G70 Shooting Brake 2.0 Sport with a hole-in-one at the 17th, before Tyrrell Hatton took advantage of the par-three 13th with a pitching wedge. Well done, chaps.

Välimäki sets new course record

Early starter Sami Välimäki shot a course-record 62 in the final round, firing an eagle and eight birdies to finish the week on 12 under and sneak into the top ten. He beat the old record by one shot.

Levy comes back with a bang

Alexander Levy this week made his return to action after 11 months out due to a back injury, and it was like he'd never been away. Playing on the DP World Tour for the first time since the Ras Al Khaimah Classic in February last year, the Frenchman posted back-to-back 68s on Thursday and Friday to sit two shots off the lead at the halfway stage. He finished the tournament on five under par for a joint-50th finish. Bravo, Alex.

Besseling and Syme help with beach clean

Wil Besseling and Connor Syme took part in a beach clean ahead of the tournament as part of the Tour's Green Drive initiative. Following on from the announcement that all Rolex Series events in 2023 will be carbon neutral, the duo headed down to Yas North Beach with some local children to help pick up litter. Besseling and Syme were joined by West Yas Academy students and staff plus representatives from Miral, Abu Dhabi Sports Council and the DP World Tour. During the clean, over 72 bags of litter were removed.

Migliozzi magic at the 16th

Guido Migliozzi figured out exactly how to play the 16th hole, producing matching stingers there on Friday and Saturday to set up tap-in birdie putts. Check out these beauties...