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Aaron Rai demonstrated remarkable nerve to secure the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on Sunday, beating his compatriot in a dramatic play-off after a rollercoaster final round of competition.

Rai nailed a crucial birdie putt from around eight feet to seal the win, echoing his sole prior tournament triumph at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was also a play-off win against Fleetwood.

Final Round Drama

The champion entered the last day with a single stroke lead over fellow Englishman Tommy Fleetwood and Denmark’s Nicolai Højgaard. He ended up with a overall score of twenty-under after a up-and-down, 67 final round that included seven birdie putts and two bogeys.

The challenger moved one shot clear with two holes to play after a birdie on the 16th, but his rival tied it up again on the 17th and then failed to convert a ten-foot birdie attempt to claim victory on the final hole.

Playoff Decider

This led to a playoff at the Yas Links course where Rai prevailed to claim the championship and $1.5m (£1.13m) in winnings.

{“Tommy is a phenomenal golfer and an even more individual. To play with him the final two rounds was truly memorable,” said Rai, the present world No 30. “You’re so focused on your game and maintaining focus, it’s hard to describe at the present how it feels. It is amazing to be holding the trophy.”

Notable Performances

Rory McIlroy left himself just too much to make up, coming up a stroke short in a shared third place with Højgaard, after a stunning 62 final round of 62. It was his lowest-ever score on the European Tour, comprising eight birdies and one eagle.

Højgaard fired six birdies of his own, but his chances of topping the leaderboard were dented by a bogey on the twelfth. English golfer Richard Mansell produced an superb final-round seven-under to finish in a tie for fifth place with Australian Daniel Hillier.