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The 30-year-old golfer displayed exceptional composure to secure the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on the final day, defeating his compatriot in a tense play-off after a topsy-turvy final round of play.

Rai sank a crucial birdie putt from around eight feet to seal the win, echoing his only previous Rolex Series success at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was likewise a playoff victory against Fleetwood.

Sunday's Play Drama

Rai entered the final round with a one-shot lead over countryman Tommy Fleetwood and Denmark’s Højgaard. He ended up with a overall score of twenty-under after a topsy-turvy, five-under final round that featured seven birdie putts and two bogeys.

The challenger moved one shot clear with two holes remaining after a birdie on the 16th, but Rai tied it up again on the 17th and then failed to convert a 10-foot birdie attempt to claim victory on the final green.

Play-Off Climax

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

{“Tommy is a phenomenal golfer and an even better individual. To play with him the last two days was truly memorable,” said the winner, the current 30th-ranked player globally. “You’re so concentrated on playing the round and maintaining focus, it’s hard to describe at the moment how it is. It is incredible to be stood here.”

Notable Contenders

Rory McIlroy left himself just too much to do, coming up a stroke short in a shared third place with Højgaard, after a spectacular 10-under final round of 62. It was his best-ever score on the DP World Tour, comprising eight birdies and an eagle.

Højgaard carded six birdie putts of his own, but his chances of topping the leaderboard were hit by a bogey on the twelfth. English golfer Richard Mansell produced an superb last round seven-under to finish tied for fifth with Australian Daniel Hillier.