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The 30-year-old golfer displayed remarkable nerve to claim the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on Sunday, defeating his compatriot in a dramatic playoff after a topsy-turvy final round of play.

The Englishman sank a decisive birdie from just over eight foot to clinch the victory, echoing his only previous tournament success at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was likewise a playoff victory over Fleetwood.

Final Round Excitement

The champion entered the last day with a single stroke advantage over countryman Fleetwood and Denmark’s Nicolai Højgaard. He ended up with a overall score of 263 after a up-and-down, five-under closing round that included seven birdies and a pair of bogeys.

The challenger moved one shot clear with two holes to play after a birdie putt on the sixteenth, but his rival pulled level again on the 17th and then failed to convert a 10-foot birdie attempt to win outright on the last hole.

Play-Off Decider

This set up a playoff at Yas Links where the eventual winner prevailed to take the championship and $1.5 million (£1.13 million) in prize money.

{“Tommy is a phenomenal player and an even better person. To play with him the last two days was really special,” stated Rai, the present world No 30. “You’re so focused on your game and maintaining focus, it’s hard to describe at the moment how it feels. It is amazing to be holding the trophy.”

Other Performances

Rory McIlroy found himself a bit too far to do, finishing a stroke behind in a tie for third with Højgaard, after a spectacular 62 closing round of 62. It was McIlroy’s best-ever round on the European Tour, including eight birdies and an eagle.

Højgaard carded six birdie putts of his as well, but his hopes of topping the leaderboard were hit by a dropped shot on the 12th. English golfer Mansell hit an superb last round seven-under to end up in a tie for fifth place with Australia’s Hillier.