Sullivan, who finished second in Dubai less than three months ago to Rory McIlroy in the DP World Tour Championship, closed with a 68, while Rafael Cabrera-Bello (69) notched up his second successive runners-up finish after Doha the week before.

“Fair play to Dan holing that putt, it was a tough putt. I felt like I had lot of chances but didn’t quite take them. I holed that putt on the last and thought I had a sneaky chance,” said Sullivan.

“Every time I’ve been here I’ve done well. It’s been awesome. I just feel a bit gutted that the two times I’ve come to Dubai I’ve been the bridesmaid.”

“You have to keep putting yourself in that position and eventually I’ll get over the line.”