Overview
- Rai prevailed on the first extra hole at Yas Links, rolling in an eight-to-10‑foot birdie after closing with a five-under 67.
- He and Fleetwood finished tied at 25 under through 72 holes, with Nicolai Højgaard and Rory McIlroy one shot back after McIlroy’s bogey‑free 62.
- The sudden‑death playoff replayed the par‑5 18th, where Fleetwood’s birdie attempt missed before Rai converted to clinch the title.
- The win is Rai’s third DP World Tour title and his first in more than five years, repeating his 2020 Scottish Open playoff triumph over Fleetwood.
- Rai’s result moves him into the Race to Dubai top 50 to qualify for Dubai, as McIlroy expands his lead entering the season finale.