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The 30-year-old golfer demonstrated exceptional nerve to claim the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on the final day, defeating Tommy Fleetwood in a tense playoff following a topsy-turvy last day of competition.

Rai sank a crucial birdie from around eight foot to seal the victory, echoing his only previous Rolex Series success at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was also a playoff victory over Fleetwood.

Sunday's Play Excitement

The champion started the final round with a one-shot advantage over fellow Englishman Fleetwood and Danish golfer Nicolai Højgaard. He ended up with a overall score of twenty-under after a up-and-down, five-under closing round that included seven birdies and two bogeys.

The challenger edged a stroke clear with two holes to play after a birdie putt on the sixteenth, but his rival pulled level again on the seventeenth and then missed a 10-foot birdie putt to claim victory on the last green.

Playoff Decider

This set up a play-off at the Yas Links course where the eventual winner triumphed to claim the title and $1.5 million (£1.13m) in winnings.

{“Tommy is a phenomenal player and an even more individual. To compete alongside him the last two days was truly memorable,” said the winner, the present world No 30. “You’re so focused on playing the round and maintaining focus, it’s hard to describe at the moment how it is. It is incredible to be holding the trophy.”

Notable Contenders

The Northern Irish star found himself just too much to do, coming up one shot short in a tie for third with Højgaard, after a spectacular 10-under final round of ten-under. It was McIlroy’s best-ever round on the European Tour, comprising eight birdies and an eagle.

Højgaard carded six birdie putts of his as well, but his chances of leading the standings were hit by a dropped shot on the 12th. English golfer Mansell hit an excellent last round seven-under to finish in a tie for fifth place with Australian Daniel Hillier.