ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Aaron Rai made a birdie on the first playoff hole to beat Tommy Fleetwood and win the Abu Dhabi Championship on Sunday for his first European tour title in five years.

The two had contested a playoff on the European Tour at the 2020 Scottish Open, which Rai also won.

Fleetwood’s birdie attempt fell short leaving Rai a birdie chance to win on the par-5 18th. He held his nerve, tilted his head back in relief and then hugged his fellow Englishman Fleetwood, who patted him warmly on the chest.

“It’s hard to put into words at the moment how this feels,” the 30-year-old Rai said. “It feels amazing to be stood here.”

Rai took a one-stroke lead into the final round but Fleetwood forced a playoff with both players tied at 25 under at Yas Links.

Dane Nicol

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