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The 30-year-old golfer demonstrated remarkable nerve 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 play.

The Englishman nailed a crucial birdie from just over eight feet to clinch the win, echoing his only previous tournament success at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was likewise a playoff victory against Fleetwood.

Final Round Excitement

The champion entered the final round with a single stroke lead over fellow Englishman Fleetwood and Denmark’s Nicolai Højgaard. He finished with a overall score of 263 after a up-and-down, five-under closing round that featured seven birdies and a pair of bogeys.

The challenger edged one shot clear with two holes remaining after a birdie putt on the sixteenth, but Rai pulled level again on the seventeenth and then failed to convert a ten-foot birdie putt to claim victory on the final green.

Playoff Climax

That led to a play-off at the Yas Links course where the eventual winner triumphed to claim the championship and $1.5 million (£1.13m) in prize money.

{“Tommy is a phenomenal golfer 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 concentrated on your game and maintaining focus, it’s hard to put into words at the present how it feels. It is incredible to be holding the trophy.”

Other Contenders

The Northern Irish star left himself just too much to do, finishing one shot behind in a tie for third with the Dane, after a spectacular 10-under final round of 62. It was his lowest-ever round on the DP World Tour, comprising eight birdies and one eagle.

Højgaard carded six birdies of his as well, but his chances of topping the standings were hit by a dropped shot on the twelfth. English golfer Richard Mansell hit an superb final-round seven-under to end up tied for fifth with Australia’s Daniel Hillier.