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

Rai nailed a decisive birdie from just over eight feet to seal the victory, echoing his sole prior tournament success at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was likewise a playoff win over Fleetwood.

Sunday's Play Drama

The champion entered the last day with a single stroke advantage over countryman Tommy 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 a pair of bogeys.

Fleetwood moved a stroke clear with two holes remaining after a birdie on the 16th, but Rai pulled level again on the 17th and then failed to convert a 10-foot birdie putt to win outright on the final green.

Playoff Climax

This set up a playoff at the Yas Links course where Rai triumphed to take the title and $1.5 million (£1.13 million) in winnings.

{“Tommy is a phenomenal player and an even more person. To play with him the final two rounds was truly memorable,” said Rai, the present world No 30. “You’re so focused on your game and maintaining focus, it’s difficult to put into words at the moment how it feels. It is incredible to be holding the trophy.”

Notable Contenders

The Northern Irish star found himself just too much to do, coming up a stroke behind in a shared third place with the Dane, after a stunning 10-under closing round of 62. It was McIlroy’s lowest-ever round on the DP World Tour, comprising eight birdie putts and an eagle.

Højgaard fired six birdie putts of his own, but his chances of topping the leaderboard were dented by a bogey on the 12th. England’s Richard Mansell produced an excellent last round 63 to finish in a tie for fifth place with Australian Daniel Hillier.