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The 30-year-old golfer displayed remarkable composure to claim the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on the final day, defeating Tommy Fleetwood in a dramatic play-off after a topsy-turvy last day of competition.

The Englishman nailed a crucial birdie from around eight foot to clinch the win, repeating his sole prior tournament triumph at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was also a playoff victory against the same opponent.

Final Round Excitement

Rai started the final round with a one-shot lead over countryman Tommy Fleetwood and Danish golfer Nicolai Højgaard. He ended up with a overall score of 263 after a topsy-turvy, five-under closing round that featured seven birdies and two bogeys.

The challenger moved a stroke ahead with the 16th and 17th to play after a birdie putt on the 16th, but Rai tied it up again on the seventeenth and then failed to convert a ten-foot birdie putt to claim victory on the final green.

Play-Off Climax

That led to a playoff at the Yas Links course where the eventual winner prevailed to claim the championship and $1.5 million (£1.13 million) in winnings.

{“Tommy is a world-class player and an even better person. To compete alongside him the final two rounds was truly memorable,” said the winner, the present 30th-ranked player globally. “You’re so focused on playing the round and maintaining focus, it’s difficult to put into words at the present how it feels. It is amazing to be stood here.”

Notable Contenders

Rory McIlroy left himself a bit too far to make up, finishing a stroke short in a tie for third with the Dane, after a stunning 62 final round of ten-under. It was his best-ever round on the European Tour, including eight birdie putts and one eagle.

Højgaard fired six birdies of his own, but his hopes of topping the standings were dented by a bogey on the 12th. English golfer Richard Mansell hit an superb final-round seven-under to end up tied for fifth with Australia’s Hillier.