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The 30-year-old golfer demonstrated exceptional composure to claim the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on Sunday, defeating his compatriot in a dramatic play-off following a rollercoaster last day of play.

The Englishman nailed a decisive birdie from just over eight foot to clinch the win, echoing his sole prior Rolex Series triumph at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was likewise a play-off win over the same opponent.

Sunday's Play Drama

The champion entered the final round with a one-shot advantage over countryman Fleetwood and Denmark’s Nicolai Højgaard. He ended up with a total score of twenty-under after a up-and-down, five-under closing round that included seven birdie putts and two bogeys.

Fleetwood moved a stroke clear with two holes to play after a birdie putt on the sixteenth, but Rai tied it up again on the seventeenth and then failed to convert a ten-foot birdie attempt to claim victory on the last green.

Play-Off Decider

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

{“Tommy is a phenomenal golfer and an even more individual. To play with him the last two days was really special,” said Rai, the present world No 30. “You’re so concentrated on your game and staying in the zone, it’s hard to put into words at the moment how it feels. It is amazing to be holding the trophy.”

Other Contenders

The Northern Irish star left himself just too much to make up, coming up a stroke behind in a shared third place with the Dane, after a spectacular 62 final round of 62. It was his best-ever score on the European Tour, including eight birdies and an eagle.

The Danish golfer fired six birdies of his own, but his chances of leading the leaderboard were dented by a dropped shot on the 12th. England’s Richard Mansell hit an excellent last round 63 to finish in a tie for fifth place with Australia’s Daniel Hillier.