Sweden’s Henrik Stenson has won European Tour’s order of merit for the second time in his career after none of his challengers could overhaul him on the final day of the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai on Sunday.

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The 40-year-old finished the tournament in some style, returning a seven-under round of 65. The Open champion had raced to the turn in 31 and added further birdies at the 13th and 14th while his nearest rival, Danny Willett, who began the week 299,675 points behind, signed for a closing 70 to finish one-under par.

“It has been a great year, the best year of my career,” said Stenson, speaking to Sky Sports. “I always thought it was going to be difficult top 2013 but I think I have done that. It’s been a great year and it’s great to finish in this way.”

Matt Fitzpatrick of Sheffield won the DP World Tour Championship after starting the day a shot behind France’s Victor Dubuisson, but moved to the top of a crowded leaderboard with three birdies in his first seven holes at Jumeirah Golf Estates. He defeated Tyrrell Hatton by a shot after his five-under 67 took him to 17-under par.

Stenson’s rivals for the money-list title going into the season-ending event were a compatriot, Alex Noren, England’s Willett and Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy.

McIlroy, the world No2, had visions of defending his title after four birdies and an eagle from the fifth took him out in 30, but the four-time major winner bogeyed the 11th and finished with a seven-under 65 for a share of ninth place with Stenson, Tommy Fleetwood and Jorge Campillo.