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Aaron Rai demonstrated exceptional nerve to claim the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on the final day, defeating his compatriot in a tense playoff following a rollercoaster last day of competition.

The Englishman sank a decisive birdie putt from around eight feet to clinch the win, echoing his sole prior Rolex Series success at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was also a playoff victory over the same opponent.

Final Round Drama

The champion started the last day with a one-shot lead over countryman Fleetwood and Denmark’s Højgaard. He ended up with a overall score of 263 after a up-and-down, five-under final round that featured seven birdies and two bogeys.

The challenger edged one shot ahead with two holes remaining after a birdie on the 16th, but his rival tied it up again on the seventeenth and then missed a ten-foot birdie attempt to claim victory on the final green.

Play-Off Decider

That set up a play-off at Yas Links where Rai prevailed to claim the title and $1.5m (£1.13m) in winnings.

{“Tommy is a world-class golfer and an even more person. To play with him the final two rounds was truly memorable,” stated Rai, the present 30th-ranked player globally. “You’re so focused on your game and staying in the zone, it’s hard to put into words at the present how it is. It is incredible to be stood here.”

Other Contenders

Rory McIlroy left himself a bit too far to make up, finishing one shot short in a shared third place with the Dane, after a stunning 62 final round of ten-under. It was McIlroy’s best-ever round on the European Tour, including eight birdie putts and an eagle.

Højgaard carded six birdie putts of his as well, but his hopes of topping the standings were dented by a bogey on the twelfth. England’s Mansell produced an superb last round 63 to end up tied for fifth with Australian Daniel Hillier.