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The 30-year-old golfer demonstrated exceptional composure to claim the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on Sunday, beating Tommy Fleetwood in a tense playoff following a topsy-turvy last day of competition.

The Englishman sank a crucial birdie putt from around eight foot to seal the win, repeating his sole prior tournament triumph at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was also a playoff victory against the same opponent.

Final Round Excitement

Rai started the last day with a one-shot lead over fellow Englishman Fleetwood and Denmark’s Højgaard. He ended up with a overall score of 263 after a up-and-down, five-under final round that featured seven birdie putts and two bogeys.

The challenger moved one shot ahead with two holes remaining after a birdie putt on the 16th, but Rai pulled level again on the seventeenth and then missed a 10-foot birdie putt to claim victory on the final hole.

Play-Off Climax

That led to a playoff at Yas Links where Rai prevailed to take the championship and $1.5 million (£1.13 million) in winnings.

{“Tommy is a phenomenal golfer and an even more individual. To play with him the final two rounds was really special,” said Rai, the current world No 30. “You’re so concentrated on playing the round and maintaining focus, it’s difficult to describe at the moment how it is. It is incredible to be holding the trophy.”

Other Contenders

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

The Danish golfer fired six birdies of his as well, but his hopes of leading the standings were hit by a bogey on the 12th. England’s Richard Mansell hit an excellent last round 63 to finish tied for fifth with Australian Daniel Hillier.