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The 30-year-old golfer displayed remarkable composure to secure the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on Sunday, defeating his compatriot in a tense playoff after a topsy-turvy last day of play.

The Englishman sank a crucial birdie putt from just over eight foot to seal the win, repeating his only previous tournament triumph at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was also a play-off win over Fleetwood.

Sunday's Play Drama

Rai entered the final round with a one-shot lead over countryman Tommy Fleetwood and Danish golfer Højgaard. He finished with a total score of 263 after a up-and-down, five-under final round that featured seven birdies and a pair of bogeys.

Fleetwood edged one shot clear with two holes remaining after a birdie putt on the 16th, but Rai pulled level again on the 17th and then failed to convert a 10-foot birdie putt to claim victory on the last green.

Playoff Decider

That led to a playoff at the Yas Links course where Rai prevailed to take the championship and $1.5m (£1.13 million) in winnings.

{“Tommy is a phenomenal golfer and an even better person. To compete alongside him the final two rounds was really special,” stated Rai, the present world No 30. “You’re so concentrated on playing the round and staying in the zone, it’s difficult to describe at the present how it is. It is incredible to be holding the trophy.”

Notable Contenders

Rory McIlroy found himself just too much to make up, finishing a stroke behind in a shared third place with the Dane, after a stunning 62 closing round of ten-under. It was his best-ever round on the European Tour, including eight birdie putts and one eagle.

Højgaard carded six birdie putts of his own, but his chances of topping the leaderboard were dented by a bogey on the 12th. English golfer Richard Mansell produced an superb last round seven-under to end up tied for fifth with Australia’s Hillier.