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

The Englishman nailed a crucial birdie putt from just over eight feet to seal the win, echoing his sole prior tournament triumph at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was likewise a play-off win over the same opponent.

Final Round Drama

The champion started the last day with a one-shot advantage over fellow Englishman Tommy Fleetwood and Danish golfer Højgaard. He ended up with a overall score of twenty-under after a topsy-turvy, 67 final round that featured seven birdie putts and a pair of bogeys.

The challenger edged a stroke clear with two holes to play after a birdie putt on the sixteenth, but his rival pulled level again on the seventeenth and then failed to convert a 10-foot birdie attempt to win outright on the last hole.

Playoff Climax

This set up a play-off at Yas Links where Rai triumphed to claim the championship and $1.5 million (£1.13 million) in winnings.

{“Tommy is a world-class player and an even more individual. To play with him the final two rounds was truly memorable,” stated 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 incredible to be stood here.”

Other Contenders

The Northern Irish star found himself just too much to do, coming up one shot behind in a tie for third with the Dane, after a spectacular 10-under closing round of 62. It was McIlroy’s lowest-ever round on the European Tour, including eight birdie putts and an eagle.

The Danish golfer carded six birdies of his own, but his chances of topping the standings were hit by a bogey on the twelfth. English golfer Richard Mansell produced an excellent final-round seven-under to finish in a tie for fifth place with Australia’s Daniel Hillier.