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The 30-year-old golfer displayed exceptional nerve to claim the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on Sunday, beating his compatriot in a dramatic play-off after a rollercoaster final round of play.

Rai sank a crucial birdie putt from just over eight foot to clinch the victory, repeating his sole prior Rolex Series triumph at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was likewise a play-off victory against Fleetwood.

Final Round Drama

The champion entered the last day with a one-shot lead over countryman Fleetwood and Danish golfer Nicolai Højgaard. He finished with a total score of twenty-under after a up-and-down, 67 final round that featured seven birdies and two bogeys.

Fleetwood edged a stroke ahead with the 16th and 17th to play after a birdie putt on the sixteenth, but his rival tied it up again on the seventeenth and then missed a ten-foot birdie putt to win outright on the final hole.

Playoff Climax

This led to a play-off at the Yas Links course where the eventual winner triumphed to take the title and $1.5m (£1.13m) in winnings.

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

Notable Contenders

Rory McIlroy found himself a bit too far to make up, finishing a stroke short in a shared third place with the Dane, after a spectacular 62 final round of 62. It was McIlroy’s best-ever score on the DP World Tour, comprising eight birdies and an eagle.

The Danish golfer carded six birdies of his own, but his chances of topping the standings were dented by a bogey on the 12th. English golfer Mansell hit an excellent last round 63 to end up in a tie for fifth place with Australian Daniel Hillier.