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Aaron Rai displayed exceptional nerve to secure the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on the final day, defeating Tommy Fleetwood in a tense play-off after a rollercoaster last day of play.

The Englishman sank a decisive birdie from just over eight foot to clinch the win, echoing his sole prior tournament triumph at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was also a playoff victory against Fleetwood.

Final Round Drama

The champion entered the final round with a one-shot advantage over countryman Fleetwood and Danish golfer Nicolai Højgaard. He ended up with a overall score of twenty-under after a up-and-down, five-under final round that included seven birdie putts and two bogeys.

The challenger edged one shot clear with two holes remaining after a birdie putt on the sixteenth, but his rival tied it up again on the 17th and then failed to convert a 10-foot birdie putt to claim victory on the last hole.

Playoff Climax

That led to a playoff at Yas Links where the eventual winner triumphed to take the championship and $1.5m (£1.13 million) in winnings.

{“Tommy is a phenomenal player and an even better person. To compete alongside him the final two rounds was truly memorable,” said Rai, the present 30th-ranked player globally. “You’re so focused on your game and staying in the zone, it’s hard to describe at the present 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 tie for third with Højgaard, after a stunning 10-under closing round of 62. It was McIlroy’s best-ever score on the European Tour, comprising eight birdies and an eagle.

The Danish golfer fired six birdie putts of his as well, but his chances of topping the leaderboard were dented by a dropped shot on the 12th. English golfer Richard Mansell produced an superb last round seven-under to finish in a tie for fifth place with Australian Daniel Hillier.