Casey hangs on to win in Abu Dhabi

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates, Jan. 18 (UPI) -- England's Paul Casey shot a 2-under-par 72 Sunday to win the Abu Dhabi Championship by a stroke over defending champion Martin Kaymer and Louis Oosthuizen.

Casey almost let a six-stroke lead slip away but held on to finish at 21-under 267 for his ninth victory on the European Tour and first since 2007.

Oosthuizen, of South Africa, fired an 8-under 64 and Kaymer, of Germany, had a 67 to share second place at 268. Englishman Anthony Wall (67) was alone in fourth place at 18-under 270.

"That was a bit of a nervous one," Casey said. "It feels very satisfying to get my hands on the trophy again. I didn't think I would have to wait so long."

Casey started the final round four shots ahead and increased his lead to six but his challengers closed in when he bogeyed Nos. 11, 13 and 14. He then parred the last four holes to stay in front.

"I started off great, but it was tricky coming in," Casey said. "The greens were exceptionally difficult to read and there were a couple of camera clicks, which put me off."