Aaron Rai Wins the Abu Dhabi Title in Dramatic Play-Off Battle Versus Fellow Englishman Fleetwood
The 30-year-old golfer demonstrated remarkable nerve to claim the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on the final day, defeating his compatriot in a tense playoff after a rollercoaster last day of competition.
The Englishman sank a decisive birdie putt from around eight foot to seal the win, echoing his sole prior Rolex Series success at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was also a playoff win against the same opponent.
Sunday's Play Excitement
Rai started the final round with a single stroke lead over countryman Fleetwood and Denmark’s Højgaard. He finished with a overall score of 263 after a up-and-down, 67 closing round that featured seven birdie putts and a pair of bogeys.
The challenger moved one shot clear with the 16th and 17th to play after a birdie on the 16th, but his rival pulled level again on the 17th and then failed to convert a 10-foot birdie putt to win outright on the last hole.
Playoff Decider
That set up a play-off at the Yas Links course where the eventual winner triumphed to claim the title and $1.5 million (£1.13 million) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a phenomenal golfer and an even more individual. To play with him the last two days was really special,” stated Rai, the current world No 30. “You’re so concentrated on playing the round and staying in the zone, it’s difficult to describe at the moment how it is. It is amazing to be holding the trophy.”
Notable Performances
Rory McIlroy left himself just too much to do, coming up one shot short in a tie for third with Højgaard, after a stunning 10-under final round of 62. It was McIlroy’s lowest-ever round on the European Tour, comprising eight birdies and one eagle.
The Danish golfer carded six birdies of his own, but his chances of leading the leaderboard were dented by a bogey on the twelfth. English golfer Richard Mansell produced an superb last round seven-under to finish in a tie for fifth place with Australia’s Hillier.