Elvira beats Lowry to dramatic Dubai title

Shane Lowry found the water on the 18th hole as he missed out on the Dubai Invitational title to Nacho Elvira in a dramatic final round.

Lowry held a one-shot lead heading onto the final hole but a wayward bunker shot flew past the flag and rolled into the water on the far side of the green.

A hole behind, overnight leader Elvira made a birdie putt on the 17th to join Lowry on 10 under as the Irishman toiled in the water.

While Ryder Cup hero Lowry had to settle for a double bogey on the final hole, Elvira secured the par he needed to win the third title of his career.

Rory McIlroy was involved in a five-way tie for the lead midway down the back nine with Elvira and Lowry but the challengers fell away one by one.

A hole ahead of his Ryder Cup team-mate, McIlroy required a birdie to tie for the lead but, in a foreshadowing of Lowry's fate, he overhit from the same bunker and his chance slipped away.