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The 30-year-old golfer demonstrated exceptional composure to claim the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on the final day, defeating his compatriot in a dramatic play-off after a rollercoaster last day of play.

The Englishman nailed a decisive birdie from just over eight feet to seal the victory, repeating his only previous Rolex Series success at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was likewise a playoff win over Fleetwood.

Sunday's Play Drama

The champion entered the final round with a single stroke lead over countryman Fleetwood and Danish golfer Højgaard. He finished with a total score of twenty-under after a topsy-turvy, 67 closing round that included seven birdies and a pair of bogeys.

The challenger moved a stroke clear with two holes to play after a birdie putt on the 16th, but his rival pulled level again on the 17th and then missed a ten-foot birdie putt to win outright on the last green.

Playoff Decider

That set up a play-off at the Yas Links course where Rai prevailed to take the title and $1.5m (£1.13 million) in prize money.

{“Tommy is a phenomenal player and an even more person. To compete alongside him the last two days was really special,” said the winner, the present world No 30. “You’re so concentrated on playing the round and staying in the zone, it’s hard to put into words at the present how it is. It is incredible to be stood here.”

Notable Performances

Rory McIlroy found himself just too much to make up, finishing a stroke behind in a shared third place with Højgaard, after a spectacular 10-under closing round of ten-under. It was his lowest-ever round on the DP World Tour, comprising eight birdies and one eagle.

The Danish golfer carded six birdie putts of his own, but his chances of topping the standings were dented by a dropped shot on the twelfth. England’s Richard Mansell hit an excellent last round seven-under to finish tied for fifth with Australian Daniel Hillier.