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Aaron Rai demonstrated exceptional nerve to claim the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on Sunday, beating his compatriot in a dramatic playoff following a topsy-turvy last day of play.

Rai nailed a decisive birdie putt from around eight feet to clinch the win, repeating his sole prior tournament triumph at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was also a play-off win against the same opponent.

Final Round Drama

Rai started the final round with a one-shot 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 birdie putts and a pair of bogeys.

Fleetwood edged a stroke clear with two holes remaining after a birdie on the 16th, but Rai tied it up again on the 17th and then missed a 10-foot birdie attempt to win outright on the final hole.

Play-Off Decider

That set up a play-off at the Yas Links course where the eventual winner triumphed to claim the championship and $1.5 million (£1.13 million) in prize money.

{“Tommy is a phenomenal golfer and an even more individual. To compete alongside him the final two rounds was really special,” said the winner, the current world No 30. “You’re so focused on your game and staying in the zone, it’s difficult to describe at the present how it feels. It is incredible to be holding the trophy.”

Notable Contenders

Rory McIlroy left himself a bit too far to do, coming up one shot behind in a shared third place with Højgaard, after a spectacular 62 closing round of 62. It was his lowest-ever score on the DP World Tour, comprising eight birdie putts and one eagle.

The Danish golfer carded six birdie putts of his own, but his hopes of leading the standings were hit by a dropped shot on the 12th. English golfer Richard Mansell produced an superb last round 63 to finish tied for fifth with Australian Daniel Hillier.