Rory McIlroy backed up yesterday's round of 63 to clinch the Dubai Desert Classic by one shot from Pole Adrian Meronk.

Starting his final round two shots behind leader Cameron Young, the Northern Irishman posted a two-under-par 70 to defend his title.

The four-time Major champion followed up last weekend's second-placed finish at the Dubai Invitational to secure his first win of the year and is feeling confident about his game.

McIlroy, 34, told Sky Sports: "It's really cool. It's a great start to the season.

"I started well last year here with the win but it was a little more dramatic on the last green compared to today.

"It's a great platform to build from. I know I'm playing good golf and there are still a couple of misses, off the tee left — one got me on 18 last week and I missed one today on the 13th and one on 16 as well which nearly cost me.

"A couple of little things to work on but these weeks are great and you learn a tonne from them.

"It's great to have the competition and come out on top as well."

Having made a tentative start to his week with a 71 and 70 heading into the weekend, the world No2 charged through the field with his nine-under round on Saturday, setting up a win that even McIlroy acknowledged appeared unlikely on Friday evening.

He added: "I didn't really think about that [the comeback] during the course of the round. I thought the way the course was trending, two 67s would really have a chance and the 63 put me in a great position.

"I thought on Friday night 10 under for the weekend I'd have a really good chance and I shot 11 under and won by one.

"It was a really tricky day, it was hard to get it close and make a tonne of birdies. The pivotal moment came on eight and nine when I made two threes.

"It wasn't one of those days where there was a tonne of fireworks but I held on as best I could and thankfully no one at the top of the leaderboard made a run."

McIlroy is next in action on the PGA Tour at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am from February 1.