( CNN ) Rory McIlroy completed his gun-to-tape victory in the Dubai Desert Classic Sunday to cement his position at the top of golf 's world rankings . McIlroy carded a two-under-par final round 70 at the Emirates GC for a tournament record equaling tally of 22-under , leaving him three shots clear of Alexander Noren of Sweden . The Northern Irishman 's multi-million dollar lawsuit against his former management company -- who are also counter suing him -- is scheduled to begin in a Dublin court Tuesday , but throughout the week McIlroy has shown no signs of being distracted by it . In fact as the protracted legal proceedings have rumbled on without an out of court settlement , McIlroy 's form has picked up . His last seven appearances in European Tour events have seen him secure four wins -- including to major titles -- and three runners-up spots . He also starred in Europe 's defense of the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles . McIlroy narrowly missed out on winning his 2015 opener in Abu Dhabi , but after a first round 64 in Dubai was never headed , reclaiming a title he last won in 2009 -- then his maiden success . `` It 's nice to be able to put my name on that trophy again , '' McIlroy told the official European Tour website . `` It felt like I was coming second every time I was teeing it up so it was time for a change and obviously the only way I wanted to go was one better and thankfully I was able to do that today . '' McIlroy started the final round four shots clear and was never seriously challenged despite Noren 's superb final round of 65 . A solitary bogey at the seventh was mixed with three birdies and he could afford to par home down the stretch with his lead intact . `` I played very nicely all week ; I did what I needed to do today . I did n't play quite as well as the first three days but I played a solid round of golf and kept my nose in front , '' he added . Former world number one Lee Westwood looked set to make a move with three birdies in his first five holes , but a double bogey on the ninth ended his charge and he fell away further on the back nine . Defending champion Stephen Gallacher of Scotland carded a closing 69 to finish third on 16 under , with Morten Orum Madsen , U.S. Open champion Kaymer , Abu Dhabi winner Gary Stal , South African Open winner Andy Sullivan and Austria 's Bernd Wiesberger tied for fourth .
Desert Classic claims Dubai McIlroy title . Cements his status as world number one . Alexander Noren closes strongly for first place . Alexander Noren 's court case against former management company begins Tuesday .