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The 30-year-old golfer demonstrated remarkable nerve to claim the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on the final day, beating his compatriot in a dramatic playoff after a rollercoaster final round of play.

Rai nailed a crucial birdie from around eight foot to clinch the victory, echoing his only previous Rolex Series triumph at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was likewise a play-off win against the same opponent.

Sunday's Play Excitement

The champion entered the last day with a one-shot lead over countryman Fleetwood and Denmark’s Højgaard. He ended up with a overall score of twenty-under after a up-and-down, five-under final round that featured seven birdie putts and a pair of bogeys.

Fleetwood edged one shot ahead with the 16th and 17th to play after a birdie on the sixteenth, but his rival pulled level again on the seventeenth and then failed to convert a 10-foot birdie attempt to claim victory on the last green.

Playoff Decider

This set up a playoff at Yas Links where the eventual winner triumphed to claim the championship and $1.5m (£1.13 million) in winnings.

{“Tommy is a world-class player and an even better individual. To compete alongside him the final two rounds was truly memorable,” stated the winner, the present world No 30. “You’re so focused on playing the round and maintaining focus, it’s difficult to put into words at the moment how it feels. It is amazing to be holding the trophy.”

Other Performances

The Northern Irish star found himself a bit too far to do, finishing a stroke behind in a tie for third with the Dane, after a stunning 62 closing round of ten-under. It was McIlroy’s best-ever score on the DP World Tour, including eight birdie putts and an eagle.

Højgaard carded six birdies of his own, but his chances of topping the standings were hit by a dropped shot on the 12th. English golfer Richard Mansell hit an superb final-round 63 to finish tied for fifth with Australian Hillier.