Dubai, United Arab Emirates ? Tiger Woods’ withdrawal made it possible for Robert-Jan Derksen to play in the Dubai Desert Classic. The real treat came Sunday, when the unheralded Dutchman stole the show from Ernie Els.

Derksen, the first alternate until Woods decided to skip Dubai for safety reasons, hit a delicate pitch to within five feet for a birdie on the 18th hole to cap a round of 7-under-par 65 and a one-stroke victory over Els.

“It’s the biggest shock of my life — unbelievable,” Derksen said.

He was in tears as he left the 18th green, even though Els still had a chance to catch him.

Derksen was not even ranked among the top 3,000 in the world going into the tournament. He never had finished in the top 10 at a European tour event and only four months ago made it through qualifying school for the sixth time.

He looked like a world-beater Sunday, taking the lead with a 60-foot eagle putt on the 13th and playing error-free when the pressure mounted over the closing holes.

“Before this year, I never thought I could win,” Derksen said. “But I started believing in myself a bit more this year. I needed a bit of luck, but that is what I got today.”

Derksen finished at 17-under 271 and earned about $300,000.

Els has won four of the six 72-hole tournaments he has played this year, including both PGA Tour events in Hawaii and both European tour events in Australia.