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Aaron Rai displayed exceptional nerve to secure the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on Sunday, defeating Tommy Fleetwood in a dramatic play-off following a topsy-turvy last day of play.

The Englishman nailed a decisive birdie from just over eight feet to clinch the win, repeating his sole prior tournament success at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was also a playoff win over the same opponent.

Final Round Drama

The champion started the last day with a one-shot advantage over fellow Englishman Fleetwood and Danish golfer Højgaard. He ended up with a total score of twenty-under after a topsy-turvy, 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 16th, but Rai pulled level again on the seventeenth and then missed a 10-foot birdie putt to win outright on the final hole.

Play-Off Climax

That led to a playoff at Yas Links where Rai prevailed to take the championship and $1.5m (£1.13 million) in prize money.

{“Tommy is a world-class golfer and an even more person. To compete alongside him the last two days was truly memorable,” stated Rai, the current 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 Performances

Rory McIlroy left himself a bit too far to do, finishing a stroke short in a tie for third with Højgaard, after a stunning 62 closing round of ten-under. It was his lowest-ever score on the European Tour, including eight birdie putts and one eagle.

Højgaard carded six birdie putts of his as well, but his chances of topping the leaderboard were dented by a bogey on the 12th. English golfer Mansell hit an superb final-round 63 to finish in a tie for fifth place with Australian Hillier.