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The 30-year-old golfer demonstrated remarkable nerve to secure the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on Sunday, beating Tommy Fleetwood in a tense play-off following a topsy-turvy final round of competition.

The Englishman nailed a crucial birdie from around eight feet to seal the win, echoing his only previous Rolex Series triumph at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was likewise a playoff win against the same opponent.

Final Round Drama

The champion started the last day with a single stroke lead over fellow Englishman Tommy Fleetwood and Danish golfer Højgaard. He ended up with a total score of twenty-under after a up-and-down, five-under closing round that included seven birdie putts and two bogeys.

The challenger edged one shot ahead with the 16th and 17th remaining after a birdie putt on the 16th, but his rival tied it up again on the seventeenth and then failed to convert a 10-foot birdie attempt to win outright on the final green.

Playoff Climax

That led to a play-off at Yas Links where Rai prevailed to take the title and $1.5m (£1.13 million) in prize money.

{“Tommy is a world-class golfer and an even better individual. To compete alongside him the final two rounds was really special,” said Rai, the present 30th-ranked player globally. “You’re so concentrated on playing the round and maintaining focus, it’s hard to put into words at the moment how it feels. It is amazing to be holding the trophy.”

Other Contenders

The Northern Irish star left himself just too much to do, finishing one shot short in a tie for third with Højgaard, after a spectacular 10-under final round of 62. It was McIlroy’s lowest-ever score on the European Tour, including eight birdie putts and one eagle.

The Danish golfer carded six birdie putts of his own, but his hopes of leading the leaderboard were hit by a dropped shot on the twelfth. English golfer Mansell hit an superb last round seven-under to finish in a tie for fifth place with Australia’s Hillier.