Bernie McGuire in Abu Dhabi

CHRIS DIMARCO handed US Ryder Cup captain Tom Lehman a second straight early season lift in as many weeks after capturing the inaugural Abu Dhabi Championship yesterday.

DiMarco overhauled the in-form, potential European Ryder Cup rookie, Henrik Stenson, with an eagle and two birdies in his opening four holes to win with a final round 67 and a one-stroke 20-under-par tally.

Cemented

Sergio Garcia was third on 18-under-par, his Spanish compatriot Miguel Angel Jimenez was fifth on 15-under-par, while Colin Montgomerie further cemented his K Club appearance to finish in sixth place on 13-under.

A disappointed Stenson, looking to secure a third Tour victory, moved up a place to fifth on the automatic Ryder Cup qualifying list with his fourth top-three finish in his last six events but it was little comfort for the 29-year old Dubai-based player.

"Second is not bad, but going out with a one-shot lead, you always want to win as there has been a few second place finishes lately, so I would like to change them into a win," said Stenson.

In contrast, DiMarco ended a four-year winless streak since claiming the 2002 Phoenix Open. It was also the first time his wife Amy has acted as stand-in caddy in eighth years to make it a real family affair.

"I never thought for one moment my next win would materialise in Abu Dhabi and to have my wife caddying for me makes it even more special," said DiMarco.

"She was ready to give up after the first day but after encouraging her to continue, I am just so glad she could share this week with me.

Sugar coating

"It was just great for me because she made me slow down everything I do on the golf course and I have really got to thank her because there is no sugar coating with her and she tells it like it is. I have been with her for 20 years and she wasn't about to change for just one week."

It's not just to have her on the bag for a win, it's also great for us as a couple. The last time she caddied for me was seven or eight years ago and I was a very mediocre player back then. She agreed I've got a lot better since."

DiMarco's success, in his first regular European Tour event, comes just a week after expected 2006 Ryder Cup colleague, David Toms, won the Hawaiian Open.

DiMarco was handed the €330,000 prize cheque and the stunning eagle trophy. "My wife can have the cheque and I will keep the trophy," added DiMarco.

Damien McGrane moved up seven places to 43rd on the Order of Merit after a final round 70 secured the Wexford golfer a share of 17th spot.

"I hit the ball very, very well this week," said McGrane. "I had only four bogeys all week and that is a very encouraging sign," added McGrane, who is bound for Doha and this week's Qatar Masters.