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The 30-year-old golfer displayed exceptional nerve to secure the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on the final day, beating his compatriot in a dramatic play-off after a topsy-turvy final round of competition.

The Englishman sank a decisive birdie from around eight foot to seal the victory, repeating his sole prior tournament triumph at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was likewise a playoff victory against the same opponent.

Final Round Drama

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

Fleetwood moved one shot ahead with the 16th and 17th remaining after a birdie putt on the sixteenth, but Rai tied it up again on the 17th and then failed to convert a 10-foot birdie putt to claim victory on the last green.

Playoff Climax

That set up a playoff at the Yas Links course where Rai triumphed to claim the title and $1.5 million (£1.13 million) in winnings.

{“Tommy is a world-class player and an even better individual. To play with him the final two rounds was truly memorable,” stated the winner, the present 30th-ranked player globally. “You’re so focused on your game and maintaining focus, it’s hard to put into words at the present how it is. It is amazing to be holding the trophy.”

Notable Performances

Rory McIlroy left himself just too much to make up, finishing one shot short in a tie for third with Højgaard, after a stunning 10-under closing round of 62. It was McIlroy’s best-ever score on the DP World Tour, including eight birdies and one eagle.

Højgaard fired six birdies of his as well, but his hopes of topping the standings were hit by a bogey on the 12th. English golfer Richard Mansell hit an excellent last round seven-under to end up tied for fifth with Australian Hillier.