The 30-year-old golfer demonstrated exceptional nerve to secure the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on Sunday, beating his compatriot in a dramatic play-off after a rollercoaster last day of play.
The Englishman sank a decisive birdie putt from just over eight feet to seal the victory, echoing his only previous tournament success at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was likewise a playoff victory over the same opponent.
The champion entered the last day with a single stroke lead over countryman Fleetwood and Denmarkâs HĂžjgaard. He ended up with a total score of twenty-under after a up-and-down, five-under final round that included seven birdies and a pair of bogeys.
The challenger edged one shot clear with two holes remaining after a birdie on the sixteenth, but Rai tied it up again on the seventeenth and then missed a 10-foot birdie attempt to claim victory on the final hole.
That led to a play-off at Yas Links where the eventual winner prevailed to claim the title and $1.5 million (ÂŁ1.13 million) in prize money.
{âTommy is a world-class golfer and an even better person. To play with him the last two days was really special,â stated Rai, the present world No 30. âYouâre so focused on your game and staying in the zone, itâs hard to describe at the present how it feels. It is amazing to be holding the trophy.â
Rory McIlroy left himself just too much to make up, coming up one shot behind in a tie for third with HĂžjgaard, after a stunning 62 closing round of ten-under. It was McIlroyâs lowest-ever round on the DP World Tour, including eight birdies and an eagle.
The Danish golfer carded six birdies of his own, but his chances of topping the leaderboard were hit by a dropped shot on the 12th. Englandâs Mansell hit an superb final-round 63 to finish tied for fifth with Australiaâs Daniel Hillier.
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