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Aaron Rai demonstrated remarkable composure to claim the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on the final day, beating his compatriot in a tense play-off following a topsy-turvy final round of competition.

The Englishman sank a decisive birdie from around eight foot to seal the victory, echoing his sole prior tournament triumph at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was likewise a play-off win over Fleetwood.

Sunday's Play 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, 67 closing round that included seven birdies and two bogeys.

The challenger edged one shot ahead with the 16th and 17th remaining after a birdie putt on the sixteenth, but Rai pulled level again on the 17th and then missed a 10-foot birdie attempt to claim victory on the last green.

Playoff Decider

That led to a playoff at the Yas Links course where Rai triumphed to take the title and $1.5m (£1.13m) in prize money.

{“Tommy is a phenomenal golfer and an even more person. To play with him the last two days was really special,” stated the winner, the current 30th-ranked player globally. “You’re so concentrated on playing the round and maintaining focus, it’s difficult to put into words at the moment how it feels. It is amazing to be holding the trophy.”

Notable Contenders

Rory McIlroy found himself a bit too far to make up, finishing a stroke behind in a tie for third with Højgaard, after a spectacular 62 final round of 62. It was McIlroy’s lowest-ever round on the DP World Tour, including eight birdies and an eagle.

Højgaard carded six birdie putts of his own, but his hopes of leading the leaderboard were dented by a bogey on the twelfth. English golfer Richard Mansell produced an superb last round seven-under to finish tied for fifth with Australia’s Daniel Hillier.