🔗 Share this article

The 30-year-old golfer demonstrated remarkable composure to claim the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on the final day, defeating Tommy Fleetwood in a dramatic playoff following a topsy-turvy final round of competition.

The Englishman sank a decisive birdie putt from just over eight foot to seal the win, repeating his only previous tournament success at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was also a play-off victory against the same opponent.

Final Round Drama

Rai entered the final round with a single stroke lead over countryman Tommy Fleetwood and Denmark’s Nicolai Højgaard. He ended up with a overall score of twenty-under after a up-and-down, five-under closing round that featured seven birdies and two bogeys.

The challenger edged one shot clear with the 16th and 17th to play after a birdie putt on the sixteenth, but his rival pulled level again on the 17th and then failed to convert a 10-foot birdie attempt to claim victory on the final hole.

Play-Off Climax

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

{“Tommy is a world-class golfer and an even better individual. To play with him the final two rounds was truly memorable,” said the winner, the current world No 30. “You’re so concentrated on playing the round and maintaining focus, it’s hard to describe at the moment how it is. It is amazing to be holding the trophy.”

Notable Performances

The Northern Irish star found himself a bit too far to make up, finishing one shot short in a shared third place with Højgaard, after a spectacular 62 final round of ten-under. It was his best-ever score on the European Tour, including eight birdie putts and an eagle.

Højgaard fired six birdies of his as well, but his chances of topping the standings were hit by a dropped shot on the 12th. England’s Mansell produced an excellent last round 63 to finish tied for fifth with Australian Hillier.