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The 30-year-old golfer displayed remarkable composure to secure the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on the final day, beating his compatriot in a tense play-off following a topsy-turvy final round of competition.

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

Sunday's Play Drama

The champion entered the final round with a one-shot advantage over countryman Fleetwood and Danish golfer Nicolai Højgaard. He ended up with a total score of 263 after a up-and-down, 67 closing round that featured seven birdie putts 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 17th and then missed a 10-foot birdie putt to win outright on the final green.

Playoff Climax

That set up a play-off at the Yas Links course where the eventual winner prevailed to claim the championship and $1.5m (£1.13m) in winnings.

{“Tommy is a world-class golfer and an even more individual. To compete alongside him the final two rounds was truly memorable,” stated Rai, the present world No 30. “You’re so concentrated on playing the round and maintaining focus, it’s difficult to describe at the moment how it is. It is incredible to be stood here.”

Other Contenders

The Northern Irish star found himself just too much to do, coming up a stroke short in a shared third place with Højgaard, after a stunning 10-under final round of ten-under. It was his best-ever round on the European Tour, comprising eight birdie putts and an eagle.

Højgaard carded six birdie putts of his as well, but his hopes of leading the standings were hit by a bogey on the twelfth. English golfer Mansell hit an excellent last round 63 to finish tied for fifth with Australian Daniel Hillier.