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Aaron Rai displayed exceptional composure to secure the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on the final day, beating his compatriot in a tense playoff after a topsy-turvy final round of play.

Rai nailed a decisive birdie putt from just over eight foot to clinch the win, repeating his only previous Rolex Series triumph at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was likewise a play-off victory against the same opponent.

Sunday's Play Excitement

The champion entered the last day with a single stroke lead over fellow Englishman Tommy Fleetwood and Denmark’s Nicolai Højgaard. He ended up with a overall score of 263 after a up-and-down, five-under final round that included seven birdie putts and a pair of bogeys.

Fleetwood edged one shot ahead with the 16th and 17th remaining after a birdie putt on the 16th, but Rai pulled level again on the 17th and then failed to convert a ten-foot birdie attempt to win outright on the last green.

Playoff Climax

That led to a playoff at Yas Links where the eventual winner prevailed to take the championship 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,” stated Rai, the current 30th-ranked player globally. “You’re so concentrated on playing the round and maintaining focus, it’s difficult to put into words 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 make up, finishing a stroke behind in a tie for third with Højgaard, after a spectacular 10-under closing round of 62. It was his best-ever round on the DP World Tour, comprising eight birdie putts and one eagle.

Højgaard carded six birdies of his own, but his chances of topping the standings were dented by a bogey on the twelfth. English golfer Richard Mansell produced an excellent last round seven-under to finish in a tie for fifth place with Australian Daniel Hillier.