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The 30-year-old golfer demonstrated remarkable nerve to claim the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on Sunday, beating his compatriot in a dramatic play-off after a topsy-turvy last day of play.

The Englishman sank a crucial birdie putt from around eight feet to seal the win, echoing his only previous tournament success at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was likewise a play-off win against the same opponent.

Final Round Drama

The champion entered the last day with a single stroke lead over fellow Englishman Tommy Fleetwood and Danish golfer Højgaard. He ended up with a overall score of 263 after a topsy-turvy, five-under closing round that featured seven birdie putts and two bogeys.

Fleetwood edged one shot ahead with the 16th and 17th to play after a birdie putt on the sixteenth, but his rival pulled level again on the seventeenth and then failed to convert a 10-foot birdie attempt to claim victory on the last green.

Play-Off Climax

This set up a play-off at the Yas Links course where the eventual winner prevailed to claim the championship and $1.5 million (£1.13 million) in prize money.

{“Tommy is a phenomenal player and an even more person. To play with him the last two days was really special,” said Rai, the present 30th-ranked player globally. “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 incredible to be stood here.”

Other Performances

Rory McIlroy left himself a bit too far to make up, finishing a stroke short in a tie for third with the Dane, after a spectacular 10-under closing round of ten-under. It was McIlroy’s best-ever score on the European Tour, comprising eight birdie putts and one eagle.

Højgaard carded six birdie putts of his own, but his chances of topping the standings were hit by a bogey on the twelfth. England’s Mansell hit an superb final-round seven-under to end up in a tie for fifth place with Australia’s Hillier.