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The 30-year-old golfer demonstrated remarkable nerve to secure the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on Sunday, beating his compatriot in a dramatic play-off after a topsy-turvy last day of play.

Rai nailed a crucial birdie from just over eight feet to seal the win, repeating his sole prior Rolex Series success at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was likewise a playoff victory over Fleetwood.

Sunday's Play Drama

Rai started the last day with a one-shot advantage over fellow Englishman Tommy Fleetwood and Danish golfer Højgaard. He ended up with a overall score of twenty-under after a up-and-down, five-under closing round that featured seven birdie putts and a pair of bogeys.

The challenger moved a stroke ahead with the 16th and 17th remaining after a birdie putt on the 16th, but Rai pulled level again on the seventeenth and then failed to convert a 10-foot birdie putt to claim victory on the final hole.

Play-Off Climax

That led to a playoff at Yas Links where the eventual winner prevailed to take the championship and $1.5m (£1.13 million) in prize money.

{“Tommy is a world-class golfer and an even more individual. To play with him the final two rounds was really special,” said the winner, the present 30th-ranked player globally. “You’re so focused on your game and maintaining focus, it’s hard to describe at the moment how it feels. It is incredible to be stood here.”

Other Contenders

Rory McIlroy found himself a bit too far to make up, finishing one shot short in a shared third place with the Dane, after a stunning 62 final round of 62. It was McIlroy’s best-ever score on the DP World Tour, including eight birdies and one eagle.

The Danish golfer fired six birdie putts of his as well, but his chances of topping the standings were dented by a dropped shot on the 12th. England’s Mansell produced an excellent final-round 63 to end up tied for fifth with Australia’s Daniel Hillier.