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Aaron Rai displayed exceptional nerve to secure the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on the final day, defeating his compatriot in a tense play-off after a rollercoaster final round of competition.

Rai sank a crucial birdie putt from just over eight feet to seal the victory, echoing his only previous Rolex Series success at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was also a playoff victory over Fleetwood.

Final Round Excitement

The champion started the final round with a single stroke lead over countryman Tommy Fleetwood and Denmark’s Højgaard. He ended up with a total score of twenty-under after a up-and-down, five-under final round that featured seven birdies and a pair of bogeys.

Fleetwood moved one shot ahead with the 16th and 17th to play after a birdie on the sixteenth, but his rival pulled level again on the 17th and then missed a 10-foot birdie attempt to claim victory on the final hole.

Play-Off Climax

That set up a playoff at the Yas Links course where the eventual winner prevailed to claim the title and $1.5 million (£1.13m) in winnings.

{“Tommy is a world-class player and an even better individual. To play with him the last two days was really special,” said Rai, the present world No 30. “You’re so focused on your game and maintaining focus, it’s difficult to put into words at the present how it is. It is amazing to be holding the trophy.”

Notable Performances

The Northern Irish star left himself just too much to do, finishing a stroke short in a shared third place with the Dane, after a spectacular 62 closing round of 62. It was McIlroy’s lowest-ever round on the European Tour, comprising eight birdies and one eagle.

Højgaard fired six birdie putts of his as well, but his hopes of leading the standings were hit by a bogey on the 12th. English golfer Mansell produced an superb final-round 63 to end up tied for fifth with Australian Hillier.