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The 30-year-old golfer demonstrated remarkable composure to secure the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on the final day, defeating his compatriot in a dramatic playoff after a topsy-turvy last day of play.

Rai nailed a crucial birdie putt from around eight feet to seal the win, repeating his only previous Rolex Series triumph at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was likewise a play-off victory over Fleetwood.

Final Round Drama

The champion started the final round with a one-shot lead over fellow Englishman 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 birdie putts and two bogeys.

Fleetwood moved a stroke clear with the 16th and 17th remaining after a birdie putt on the sixteenth, but Rai pulled level again on the 17th and then failed to convert a 10-foot birdie attempt to claim victory on the last green.

Play-Off Climax

That set up a play-off at the Yas Links course where Rai prevailed to claim the championship and $1.5 million (£1.13m) in prize money.

{“Tommy is a world-class golfer and an even more person. To play with him the last two days was truly memorable,” stated Rai, the current world No 30. “You’re so focused on playing the round and staying in the zone, it’s hard to put into words at the moment how it feels. It is incredible to be stood here.”

Notable Performances

The Northern Irish star left himself just too much to do, finishing one shot short in a shared third place with Højgaard, after a stunning 62 closing round of 62. It was McIlroy’s lowest-ever score on the DP World Tour, comprising eight birdies and an eagle.

The Danish golfer carded six birdie putts of his own, but his chances of topping the standings were dented by a dropped shot on the twelfth. English golfer Richard Mansell hit an excellent last round seven-under to end up tied for fifth with Australian Hillier.