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The 30-year-old golfer demonstrated remarkable nerve to claim the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on the final day, beating his compatriot in a dramatic play-off after a rollercoaster last day of competition.

Rai nailed a crucial birdie putt from just over eight feet to clinch the victory, repeating his only previous tournament triumph at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was likewise a playoff victory over the same opponent.

Final Round Excitement

The champion entered the last day with a one-shot advantage over fellow Englishman Fleetwood and Denmark’s Nicolai Højgaard. He ended up with a overall score of twenty-under after a up-and-down, 67 closing round that featured seven birdie putts and two bogeys.

The challenger edged one shot ahead with two holes to play after a birdie putt on the 16th, but Rai tied it up again on the seventeenth and then missed a ten-foot birdie attempt to win outright on the final green.

Play-Off Climax

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

{“Tommy is a phenomenal player and an even more person. To compete alongside him the last two days was really special,” stated Rai, the current 30th-ranked player globally. “You’re so focused 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 Performances

The Northern Irish star found himself a bit too far to do, coming up a stroke short in a tie for third with the Dane, after a stunning 10-under final round of ten-under. It was McIlroy’s best-ever round on the DP World Tour, including eight birdie putts and an eagle.

The Danish golfer fired six birdies of his own, but his hopes of leading the leaderboard were dented by a dropped shot on the 12th. English golfer Mansell produced an excellent final-round 63 to finish tied for fifth with Australia’s Hillier.