🔗 Share this article The English golfer Secures the Abu Dhabi Title in Thrilling Playoff Battle Against Tommy Fleetwood The 30-year-old golfer demonstrated remarkable nerve to secure the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on Sunday, beating Tommy Fleetwood in a tense playoff after a rollercoaster final round of competition. Rai sank a decisive birdie from just over eight foot to clinch the win, repeating his sole prior Rolex Series triumph at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was also a play-off win over the same opponent. Sunday's Play Excitement The champion entered the final round with a one-shot lead over countryman Tommy Fleetwood and Denmark’s Højgaard. He finished with a overall score of 263 after a up-and-down, 67 closing round that featured seven birdie putts and two bogeys. The challenger edged one shot clear with two holes to play after a birdie putt on the 16th, but his rival tied it up again on the 17th and then missed a 10-foot birdie attempt to claim victory on the final hole. Playoff 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 (£1.13m) in prize money. {“Tommy is a phenomenal golfer and an even better person. To compete alongside him the last two days was really special,” stated Rai, the present 30th-ranked player globally. “You’re so focused on your game and maintaining focus, it’s difficult to put into words at the moment how it is. It is amazing to be holding the trophy.” Other Performances Rory McIlroy left himself just too much to do, finishing a stroke short in a shared third place with the Dane, after a spectacular 62 final round of 62. It was McIlroy’s best-ever round on the DP World Tour, including eight birdie putts and one eagle. The Danish golfer carded six birdie putts of his own, but his chances of topping the leaderboard were hit by a bogey on the twelfth. English golfer Mansell produced an superb final-round seven-under to end up in a tie for fifth place with Australia’s Hillier.