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The 30-year-old golfer demonstrated exceptional composure to claim the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on the final day, defeating Tommy Fleetwood in a dramatic playoff after a topsy-turvy last day of competition.

The Englishman nailed a crucial birdie putt from just over eight feet to clinch the victory, repeating his only previous Rolex Series success at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was likewise a play-off win over the same opponent.

Final Round Drama

The champion entered the last day with a one-shot advantage over fellow Englishman Tommy Fleetwood and Danish golfer Nicolai Højgaard. He ended up with a overall score of 263 after a topsy-turvy, 67 closing round that featured seven birdies and a pair of bogeys.

The challenger moved a stroke clear with two holes to play after a birdie putt on the sixteenth, but his rival tied it up again on the 17th and then failed to convert a 10-foot birdie putt to win outright on the final hole.

Play-Off Decider

That set up a play-off at Yas Links where the eventual winner prevailed to claim the title and $1.5m (£1.13 million) in prize money.

{“Tommy is a phenomenal golfer and an even better person. To play with him the last two days was really special,” stated the winner, the current 30th-ranked player globally. “You’re so focused on playing the round and maintaining focus, it’s hard to put into words at the present how it is. It is incredible to be holding the trophy.”

Notable Performances

Rory McIlroy found himself just too much to do, coming up a stroke behind in a tie for third with Højgaard, after a stunning 10-under closing round of ten-under. It was his best-ever score on the DP World Tour, including eight birdies and one eagle.

The Danish golfer fired six birdies of his as well, but his chances of leading the standings were hit by a bogey on the 12th. English golfer Mansell produced an excellent final-round 63 to finish tied for fifth with Australian Daniel Hillier.