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The 30-year-old golfer displayed exceptional nerve to secure the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on the final day, defeating Tommy Fleetwood in a tense play-off following a rollercoaster last day of play.

The Englishman nailed a crucial birdie putt from just over eight feet to seal the win, repeating his sole prior tournament triumph at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was likewise a playoff win against Fleetwood.

Final Round Drama

The champion entered the last day with a one-shot lead over countryman Tommy Fleetwood and Danish golfer Højgaard. He ended up with a overall score of twenty-under after a topsy-turvy, five-under closing round that included seven birdie putts and a pair of bogeys.

The challenger edged a stroke ahead with two holes remaining after a birdie putt on the 16th, but his rival tied it up again on the seventeenth and then missed a ten-foot birdie putt to claim victory on the last green.

Play-Off Decider

That set up a playoff at Yas Links where Rai triumphed to claim the championship and $1.5m (£1.13 million) in prize money.

{“Tommy is a world-class golfer and an even better individual. To play with him the last two days was truly memorable,” stated Rai, the current world No 30. “You’re so focused on playing the round and maintaining focus, it’s hard to describe at the moment how it is. It is amazing to be stood here.”

Notable Contenders

Rory McIlroy left himself a bit too far to do, finishing one shot behind in a tie for third with Højgaard, after a spectacular 62 closing round of 62. It was McIlroy’s lowest-ever round on the European Tour, comprising eight birdie putts and one eagle.

Højgaard fired six birdies of his as well, but his hopes of leading the leaderboard were dented by a bogey on the 12th. England’s Mansell produced an excellent final-round seven-under to finish tied for fifth with Australian Daniel Hillier.