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Aaron Rai displayed exceptional composure to secure the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on the final day, beating Tommy Fleetwood in a tense playoff following a topsy-turvy last day of competition.

The Englishman sank a decisive birdie putt from around eight feet to seal the victory, repeating his sole prior tournament triumph at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was also a play-off victory against the same opponent.

Sunday's Play Drama

The champion started the last day with a single stroke lead over fellow Englishman Tommy Fleetwood and Danish golfer Højgaard. He ended up with a overall score of 263 after a up-and-down, five-under final round that included seven birdie putts and two bogeys.

Fleetwood moved one shot clear with the 16th and 17th to play after a birdie putt on the 16th, but his rival tied it up again on the seventeenth and then failed to convert a 10-foot birdie attempt to claim victory on the last hole.

Playoff Decider

This led to a playoff at the Yas Links course where the eventual winner triumphed to claim the title and $1.5m (£1.13m) in prize money.

{“Tommy is a phenomenal player and an even more individual. To play with him the last two days was really special,” said Rai, the present 30th-ranked player globally. “You’re so focused on playing the round and maintaining focus, it’s hard to put into words at the moment how it is. It is amazing to be stood here.”

Other Performances

Rory McIlroy left himself just too much to do, coming up one shot behind in a tie for third with Højgaard, after a stunning 62 closing round of ten-under. It was McIlroy’s best-ever round on the European Tour, including eight birdies and one eagle.

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