Andy Sullivan Reacts

We are glad to hear that Andy Sullivan has taken nothing but positives from his week in Dubai at the DP Championship Tournament. He had led after all the first three rounds, but could not withstand Rory’s final day charge.

His second place has moved him up to eighth in the European rankings, and it really has been a break through year for the 28 year-old Englishman.

This is what he had to say after his final round:

"For me it doesn't really get any better than that. Maybe one shot better and maybe take him to a play-off.

"It was an awesome day, I gave it everything on that front nine. I just couldn't quite get the putts to drop on the back nine and didn't really hit it close enough again.

"Just to come up head-to-head with someone of Rory's quality, it was absolutely awesome and something that will stick with me for a long time going forward.

I think I can hold my own now, it's safe to say. For me it's just trying to do it on a more regular basis. I know I can do it. It's just going out and trying to do it more now.”

After a birdie on the 15th gave McIlroy a two shot lead, it looked as if he was going to coast to victory but an errant tee shot on the 17th found the water, resulting in a bogey and a tense finish up the last.

"I thought, 'I'm back in it'," said Sullivan. "I thought, 'I've got a chance again'. But I gave him a great teach on my putt. He got a real good read on my first putt. I've hit it and left it that far behind.

"That's just the quality he is and the world-class performer he is.

"Even 18, if I holed the putt, I thought it could go a bit further but that's the way it goes.

"I've got so much to take from this week, the way I've played and the way I've handled it. And in a world-class field, first time for me that I've really performed in such a big field."

For more on Andy Sullivan watch him take the GolfPunk biscuit tin challenge.