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The 30-year-old golfer demonstrated exceptional nerve to claim the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on Sunday, defeating his compatriot in a tense playoff following a rollercoaster last day of competition.

Rai sank a decisive birdie putt from around eight foot to clinch the win, echoing his sole prior tournament success at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was likewise a playoff win over the same opponent.

Sunday's Play Drama

Rai started the final round with a one-shot advantage over countryman Tommy Fleetwood and Denmark’s Nicolai Højgaard. He finished with a overall score of 263 after a topsy-turvy, five-under closing round that featured seven birdie putts and two bogeys.

Fleetwood moved one shot ahead with two holes remaining after a birdie putt on the 16th, but his rival tied it up again on the 17th and then missed a 10-foot birdie putt to win outright on the last hole.

Playoff Decider

That led to a playoff at Yas Links where Rai prevailed to take the championship and $1.5 million (£1.13 million) in winnings.

{“Tommy is a phenomenal golfer and an even more person. To compete alongside him the final two rounds was really special,” said Rai, the current 30th-ranked player globally. “You’re so focused on your game and staying in the zone, it’s difficult to describe at the present how it feels. It is incredible to be stood here.”

Other Contenders

Rory McIlroy left himself a bit too far to do, finishing a stroke short in a shared third place with Højgaard, after a stunning 62 closing round of ten-under. It was his lowest-ever score on the DP World Tour, comprising eight birdies and an eagle.

The Danish golfer fired six birdies of his own, but his chances of topping the standings were hit by a bogey on the twelfth. English golfer Richard Mansell hit an excellent last round seven-under to end up in a tie for fifth place with Australia’s Daniel Hillier.