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Aaron Rai displayed exceptional composure to claim the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on the final day, defeating his compatriot in a tense playoff following a rollercoaster last day of play.

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

Final Round Excitement

The champion started the last day with a one-shot lead over countryman Fleetwood and Denmark’s Højgaard. He finished with a overall score of twenty-under after a up-and-down, 67 closing round that featured seven birdies and two bogeys.

The challenger edged one shot ahead with two holes to play after a birdie on the 16th, 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 final green.

Play-Off Decider

That led to a playoff at the Yas Links course where Rai triumphed to take the title and $1.5 million (£1.13 million) in prize money.

{“Tommy is a world-class golfer and an even better individual. To compete alongside him the final two rounds was really special,” stated the winner, the current 30th-ranked player globally. “You’re so concentrated on your game and maintaining focus, it’s difficult to put into words at the moment how it feels. It is incredible to be holding the trophy.”

Other Performances

The Northern Irish star found himself just too much to do, finishing a stroke behind in a shared third place with the Dane, after a stunning 10-under final round of ten-under. It was his lowest-ever round on the European Tour, comprising eight birdie putts and an eagle.

The Danish golfer carded six birdie putts of his as well, but his hopes of topping the standings were hit by a bogey on the twelfth. England’s Mansell hit an superb final-round 63 to end up tied for fifth with Australian Daniel Hillier.