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Aaron Rai displayed exceptional composure to secure the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on Sunday, beating his compatriot in a dramatic play-off after a topsy-turvy last day of competition.

The Englishman sank a decisive birdie from just over eight feet to seal the win, repeating his sole prior tournament success at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was also a play-off victory against Fleetwood.

Final Round Excitement

Rai entered the last day with a one-shot advantage over countryman Tommy Fleetwood and Danish golfer Højgaard. He finished with a total score of 263 after a topsy-turvy, five-under final round that featured seven birdies and two bogeys.

Fleetwood moved one shot ahead with the 16th and 17th to play after a birdie putt on the sixteenth, but his rival tied it up again on the seventeenth and then failed to convert a ten-foot birdie attempt to win outright on the last hole.

Playoff Climax

That led to a play-off at Yas Links 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 last two days was truly memorable,” said the winner, the present world No 30. “You’re so focused on playing the round and staying in the zone, it’s difficult to put into words at the present how it is. It is incredible to be stood here.”

Other Performances

The Northern Irish star left himself just too much to make up, coming up one shot short in a shared third place with the Dane, after a stunning 10-under final round of ten-under. It was McIlroy’s best-ever score on the DP World Tour, comprising eight birdies 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 12th. English golfer Richard Mansell produced an excellent final-round seven-under to finish tied for fifth with Australian Daniel Hillier.