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The 30-year-old golfer displayed remarkable nerve to secure the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on Sunday, beating his compatriot in a tense playoff following a rollercoaster last day of competition.

The Englishman sank a crucial birdie from just over eight foot to seal the victory, echoing his sole prior Rolex Series success at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was also a playoff victory over the same opponent.

Final Round Excitement

Rai started the last day with a single stroke lead over fellow Englishman Tommy Fleetwood and Danish golfer Nicolai Højgaard. He ended up with a total score of twenty-under after a topsy-turvy, 67 closing round that featured seven birdie putts and two bogeys.

Fleetwood moved one shot clear with the 16th and 17th remaining after a birdie putt on the sixteenth, 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 last hole.

Play-Off Climax

That set up a playoff at Yas Links where Rai triumphed to claim the title and $1.5 million (£1.13 million) in prize money.

{“Tommy is a phenomenal golfer and an even better person. To play with him the final two rounds was really special,” stated the winner, the present world No 30. “You’re so concentrated on your game and maintaining focus, it’s difficult to put into words at the present how it feels. It is incredible to be holding the trophy.”

Other Contenders

Rory McIlroy found himself a bit too far to make up, finishing one shot short in a shared third place with Højgaard, after a stunning 10-under final round of ten-under. It was McIlroy’s best-ever round on the European Tour, comprising eight birdie putts and an eagle.

The Danish golfer carded six birdie putts of his as well, but his hopes of leading the leaderboard were dented by a dropped shot on the twelfth. English golfer Richard Mansell hit an excellent final-round 63 to end up in a tie for fifth place with Australian Daniel Hillier.