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The 30-year-old golfer demonstrated remarkable composure to claim the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on the final day, defeating his compatriot in a dramatic play-off following a topsy-turvy final round of play.

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

Final Round Drama

Rai entered the final round with a one-shot advantage over countryman Fleetwood and Denmark’s Højgaard. He ended up with a total score of twenty-under after a up-and-down, 67 closing round that included seven birdies and two bogeys.

The challenger edged a stroke ahead with the 16th and 17th remaining after a birdie putt on the sixteenth, but his rival pulled level again on the 17th and then failed to convert a 10-foot birdie attempt to win outright on the final green.

Playoff Climax

This set up a playoff at Yas Links where the eventual winner prevailed to claim the title and $1.5m (£1.13 million) in winnings.

{“Tommy is a world-class player and an even more person. To compete alongside him the final two rounds was truly memorable,” said Rai, the current world No 30. “You’re so focused on your game and staying in the zone, it’s hard to put into words at the present how it feels. It is amazing to be holding the trophy.”

Other Performances

The Northern Irish star left himself just too much to make up, coming up a stroke behind in a shared third place with Højgaard, after a spectacular 62 final round of 62. It was McIlroy’s lowest-ever round on the DP World Tour, comprising eight birdies and an eagle.

The Danish golfer carded six birdies of his as well, but his hopes of topping the standings were dented by a dropped shot on the twelfth. English golfer Richard Mansell hit an excellent final-round seven-under to end up in a tie for fifth place with Australian Daniel Hillier.