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Aaron Rai demonstrated exceptional nerve to secure the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on the final day, beating Tommy Fleetwood in a dramatic play-off after a topsy-turvy final round of competition.

The Englishman nailed a crucial birdie from just over eight foot to seal the victory, repeating his sole prior Rolex Series triumph at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was likewise a play-off victory over Fleetwood.

Sunday's Play Excitement

The champion started the final round with a single stroke lead over fellow Englishman Tommy Fleetwood and Danish golfer Nicolai Højgaard. He ended up with a total score of twenty-under after a topsy-turvy, five-under closing round that featured seven birdie putts and a pair of bogeys.

Fleetwood edged a stroke ahead with two holes to play after a birdie putt on the sixteenth, but his rival tied it up again on the seventeenth and then failed to convert a 10-foot birdie putt to claim victory on the last green.

Play-Off Climax

This set up a play-off at the Yas Links course where the eventual winner prevailed to claim the title and $1.5 million (£1.13m) in winnings.

{“Tommy is a world-class player and an even better individual. To compete alongside him the last two days was really special,” stated the winner, the present world No 30. “You’re so focused on your game and staying in the zone, it’s difficult to put into words at the present how it is. It is amazing to be stood here.”

Notable Contenders

The Northern Irish star found himself a bit too far to do, finishing a stroke short in a shared third place with the Dane, after a stunning 10-under final round of 62. It was his best-ever score on the European Tour, comprising eight birdie putts and an eagle.

The Danish golfer carded six birdie putts of his own, but his chances of topping the leaderboard were hit by a bogey on the twelfth. England’s Mansell hit an excellent final-round 63 to end up in a tie for fifth place with Australia’s Daniel Hillier.