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Aaron Rai displayed exceptional composure to claim the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on the final day, defeating Tommy Fleetwood in a tense play-off after a topsy-turvy final round of play.

Rai sank a decisive birdie from around eight foot to seal the victory, repeating his sole prior tournament triumph at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was also a play-off victory over the same opponent.

Sunday's Play Excitement

Rai entered the final round with a single stroke lead over fellow Englishman Tommy Fleetwood and Danish golfer Højgaard. He finished with a overall score of 263 after a up-and-down, 67 closing round that included seven birdie putts and a pair of bogeys.

The challenger moved one shot clear with two holes remaining after a birdie putt on the sixteenth, but his rival pulled level again on the 17th and then missed a 10-foot birdie attempt to claim victory on the last green.

Play-Off Decider

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

{“Tommy is a phenomenal player and an even better person. To play with him the final two rounds was really special,” said the winner, the current world No 30. “You’re so focused on playing the round and maintaining focus, it’s hard to put into words at the present how it feels. It is amazing to be stood here.”

Notable Contenders

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

The Danish golfer fired six birdie putts of his as well, but his hopes of leading the leaderboard were dented by a bogey on the twelfth. England’s Richard Mansell produced an excellent last round seven-under to finish in a tie for fifth place with Australia’s Daniel Hillier.