PGA TOUR FBR Open, TPC Scottsdale, Phoenix, Arizona. PGA Tour rookie James Nitties made his biggest statement in his short time on tour, finishing fourth at the FBR Open in Phoenix. Nitties, who excelled at Q-School last December, missed the cut in his opening two events of the year- the Sony Open and the Bob Hope Classic. He rebounded in front of huge crowds at TPC Scottsdale to shoot rounds of 65-69-70-68 to tie with American David Toms at 12-under (272). He added a cheque for US$264,000 to his luggage. American Kenny Perry won the 13th title of his career beating Charley Hoffman by a stroke on the the third play-off hole. Rod Pampling finished three shots back at 9-under while John Senden was a shot behind. Geoff Ogilvy finished his final round with a 1-over 72 to join Senden at 8-under after starting the day tied for sixth. Jarrod Lyle and Aaron Baddeley finished at 4-under. Matthew Goggin, Stuart Appleby and Peter Lonard fell short of the cut. LEADERBOARD Kenny Perry -14 Charley Hoffman -14 Kevin Na -13 James Nitties -12 David Toms -12 Ryan Moore -11 Matt Kuchar -11 Brian Gay -11 Scott Piercy -11 PGA EUROPEAN TOUR Dubai Desert Classic, Emirates Golf Club, Dubai. Northern Ireland sensation Rory McIlroy claimed his maiden professional victory in thrilling fashion with a perfect sand save at Emirates Golf Club. After flying the green into the trap behind on the 18th, McIlroy flopped a perfect shot to three feet to defeat England&aposs Justin Rose by a shot. Australian Scott Strange finished tied for 7th with solid rounds of 69-71-66-69 for total score of 13-under and an encouraging start to the year. Richard Green, who was a shot behind the leaders going into the final round, shot a 1-over 73 and finished tied for 11th. Brett Rumford finished further down the leaderboard at 2-under for the championship. LEADERBOARD McILROY, Rory -19 2 ROSE, Justin -18 3 STENSON, Henrik -17 T4 CASEY, Paul -16 T4 KARLSSON, Robert -16 T4 KAYMER, Martin -16 T7 JIM NEZ, Miguel Angel -13 T7 OOSTHUIZEN, Louis -13 T7 STRANGE, Scott -13 T7 WALL, Anthony -13 T11 GARCIA, Sergio -12 T11 GREEN, Richard -12 the other professional tours are yet to commence in 2009.