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The 30-year-old golfer demonstrated remarkable composure to claim the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on the final day, beating Tommy Fleetwood in a dramatic playoff after a rollercoaster last day of competition.

The Englishman sank a decisive birdie from just over eight feet to seal the win, repeating his sole prior Rolex Series triumph at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was likewise a play-off victory against the same opponent.

Final Round Excitement

Rai started the final round with a single stroke advantage over fellow Englishman Tommy Fleetwood and Denmark’s Nicolai Højgaard. He finished with a overall score of twenty-under after a up-and-down, 67 final round that included seven birdies and two bogeys.

Fleetwood edged one shot clear with the 16th and 17th to play after a birdie putt on the 16th, but his rival tied it up again on the seventeenth and then missed a ten-foot birdie putt to win outright on the final hole.

Playoff Climax

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

{“Tommy is a world-class golfer and an even better person. To compete alongside him the final two rounds was really special,” said the winner, the present 30th-ranked player globally. “You’re so concentrated on playing the round and maintaining focus, it’s difficult to describe at the moment how it feels. It is incredible to be holding the trophy.”

Other Performances

The Northern Irish star found himself just too much to make up, finishing one shot behind in a shared third place with Højgaard, after a stunning 62 final round of ten-under. It was McIlroy’s best-ever score on the DP World Tour, comprising eight birdie putts and an eagle.

The Danish golfer carded six birdies of his as well, but his chances of topping the standings were hit by a dropped shot on the 12th. English golfer Mansell produced an superb final-round 63 to finish tied for fifth with Australian Hillier.