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Aaron Rai demonstrated exceptional nerve to claim the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on Sunday, defeating his compatriot in a dramatic play-off following a rollercoaster last day of competition.

Rai sank a decisive birdie from just over eight feet to clinch the win, echoing his only previous Rolex Series success at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was likewise a play-off victory over the same opponent.

Final Round Drama

The champion started the final round with a one-shot advantage over countryman Fleetwood and Denmark’s Nicolai Højgaard. He finished with a total score of twenty-under after a topsy-turvy, five-under final round that included seven birdie putts and a pair of bogeys.

The challenger moved a stroke ahead with the 16th and 17th remaining after a birdie putt on the sixteenth, but Rai pulled level again on the 17th and then missed a 10-foot birdie putt to claim victory on the final green.

Playoff Decider

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

{“Tommy is a phenomenal golfer and an even more person. To compete alongside him the final two rounds was really special,” stated the winner, the current 30th-ranked player globally. “You’re so focused on playing the round and maintaining focus, it’s difficult to put into words at the moment how it feels. It is incredible to be holding the trophy.”

Notable Performances

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

Højgaard carded six birdie putts of his own, but his chances of leading the standings were hit by a bogey on the twelfth. England’s Mansell hit an excellent last round 63 to end up in a tie for fifth place with Australian Hillier.