The English golfer Wins the Abu Dhabi Title in Dramatic Playoff Battle Against Fellow Englishman Fleetwood
Aaron Rai displayed remarkable composure to secure the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on the final day, defeating Tommy Fleetwood in a dramatic playoff after a topsy-turvy final round of play.
Rai sank a crucial birdie putt from just over eight feet to seal the victory, repeating his only previous tournament triumph at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was likewise a playoff victory against Fleetwood.
Sunday's Play Excitement
Rai 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 topsy-turvy, 67 final round that featured seven birdies and a pair of bogeys.
The challenger edged one shot clear with two holes to play after a birdie putt on the sixteenth, but his rival pulled level again on the seventeenth and then failed to convert a 10-foot birdie putt to win outright on the final green.
Playoff Decider
This led to a play-off at Yas Links where Rai triumphed to claim the championship and $1.5 million (£1.13 million) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a world-class golfer and an even more individual. To compete alongside him the last two days was truly memorable,” said Rai, the present world No 30. “You’re so focused on playing the round and staying in the zone, it’s hard to describe at the moment how it feels. It is incredible to be stood here.”
Other Contenders
Rory McIlroy found himself just too much to make up, coming up a stroke short in a shared third place with the Dane, after a stunning 10-under closing round of 62. It was his lowest-ever score on the DP World Tour, including eight birdies and an eagle.
The Danish golfer fired six birdies of his own, but his hopes of topping the standings were hit by a dropped shot on the 12th. England’s Richard Mansell produced an superb final-round seven-under to finish in a tie for fifth place with Australia’s Daniel Hillier.
