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Aaron Rai displayed remarkable composure to secure the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on the final day, defeating his compatriot in a tense playoff after a topsy-turvy last day of competition.

Rai nailed a decisive birdie from around eight feet to clinch the victory, echoing his only previous Rolex Series triumph at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was also a playoff win over Fleetwood.

Sunday's Play Drama

Rai started the last day with a single stroke advantage over countryman Fleetwood and Danish golfer Nicolai Højgaard. He ended up with a total score of 263 after a up-and-down, 67 final round that included seven birdies and a pair of bogeys.

The challenger moved one shot clear with two holes remaining after a birdie putt on the sixteenth, but Rai tied it up again on the 17th and then failed to convert a ten-foot birdie attempt to claim victory on the last hole.

Play-Off Decider

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

{“Tommy is a phenomenal golfer and an even more person. To compete alongside him the last two days was really special,” said the winner, the current world No 30. “You’re so focused on your game and maintaining focus, it’s hard to describe at the present how it is. It is incredible to be stood here.”

Notable Contenders

Rory McIlroy found himself a bit too far to make up, finishing one shot behind in a shared third place with the Dane, after a spectacular 62 final round of ten-under. It was McIlroy’s lowest-ever round on the European Tour, including eight birdies and an eagle.

The Danish golfer fired six birdies of his as well, but his chances of topping the standings were hit by a bogey on the 12th. English golfer Mansell hit an excellent last round seven-under to finish in a tie for fifth place with Australia’s Daniel Hillier.