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The 30-year-old golfer demonstrated exceptional composure to claim the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on the final day, defeating Tommy Fleetwood in a dramatic playoff after a topsy-turvy last day of competition.

Rai nailed a decisive birdie putt from around eight feet to seal the win, repeating his sole prior tournament triumph at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was likewise a playoff victory against the same opponent.

Final Round Excitement

Rai started the last day with a one-shot lead over fellow Englishman Fleetwood and Danish golfer Nicolai Højgaard. He finished with a overall score of twenty-under after a topsy-turvy, five-under final round that included seven birdie putts and a pair of bogeys.

The challenger edged a stroke ahead with the 16th and 17th remaining after a birdie on the 16th, but Rai pulled level again on the seventeenth and then missed a ten-foot birdie attempt to win outright on the final hole.

Play-Off Decider

This led to a playoff at the Yas Links course where Rai prevailed to claim the championship and $1.5 million (£1.13m) in winnings.

{“Tommy is a phenomenal player and an even more person. To play with him the last two days was truly memorable,” stated the winner, the present 30th-ranked player globally. “You’re so concentrated on playing the round and maintaining focus, it’s difficult to describe at the present how it is. It is incredible to be holding the trophy.”

Notable Performances

The Northern Irish star found himself just too much to make up, finishing one shot behind in a shared third place with Højgaard, after a stunning 10-under final round of ten-under. It was McIlroy’s lowest-ever round on the DP World Tour, comprising eight birdie putts and an eagle.

The Danish golfer carded six birdies of his own, but his chances of leading the standings were hit by a dropped shot on the 12th. England’s Mansell produced an superb final-round seven-under to finish tied for fifth with Australian Hillier.