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The 30-year-old golfer displayed remarkable composure to claim the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on the final day, defeating Tommy Fleetwood in a dramatic playoff after a topsy-turvy last day of competition.

Rai nailed a crucial birdie from around eight foot to seal the victory, repeating his only previous Rolex Series success at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was likewise a play-off victory over the same opponent.

Final Round Drama

Rai started the final round with a one-shot lead over fellow Englishman Fleetwood and Denmark’s Nicolai Højgaard. He ended up with a total score of twenty-under after a up-and-down, five-under closing round that included seven birdie putts and a pair of bogeys.

Fleetwood edged a stroke clear with two holes remaining after a birdie putt on the sixteenth, but his rival pulled level again on the 17th and then failed to convert a ten-foot birdie putt to win outright on the final green.

Play-Off Decider

This led to a playoff at Yas Links where Rai triumphed to claim the title and $1.5m (£1.13m) in winnings.

{“Tommy is a phenomenal golfer and an even better individual. To compete alongside him the final two rounds was truly memorable,” stated Rai, the present world No 30. “You’re so concentrated on your game and staying in the zone, it’s hard to describe at the present how it is. It is amazing to be holding the trophy.”

Other Contenders

Rory McIlroy left himself just too much to do, finishing a stroke behind in a tie for third with Højgaard, after a stunning 10-under closing round of 62. It was McIlroy’s lowest-ever round on the European Tour, comprising eight birdie putts and one eagle.

The Danish golfer carded six birdie putts of his own, but his hopes of topping the leaderboard were hit by a bogey on the 12th. England’s Mansell produced an excellent last round seven-under to finish in a tie for fifth place with Australian Daniel Hillier.