The English golfer Secures Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Thrilling Play-Off Battle Versus Tommy Fleetwood
Aaron Rai demonstrated exceptional nerve to secure the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on Sunday, defeating Tommy Fleetwood in a dramatic playoff following a rollercoaster last day of competition.
Rai sank a decisive birdie from just over eight feet to clinch the win, repeating his sole prior Rolex Series triumph at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was likewise a play-off win over Fleetwood.
Sunday's Play Drama
Rai entered the final round with a single stroke advantage over fellow Englishman Fleetwood and Denmark’s Højgaard. He ended up with a overall score of 263 after a topsy-turvy, five-under final round that featured seven birdie putts and two bogeys.
Fleetwood moved one shot ahead with two holes remaining after a birdie putt on the 16th, but Rai tied it up again on the seventeenth and then failed to convert a ten-foot birdie putt to claim victory on the last hole.
Playoff Climax
This led to a playoff at the Yas Links course where Rai prevailed to claim the championship and $1.5 million (£1.13m) in winnings.
{“Tommy is a phenomenal player and an even more individual. To play with him the final two rounds was really special,” said Rai, the current 30th-ranked player globally. “You’re so focused on your game and staying in the zone, it’s difficult to describe at the moment how it feels. It is amazing to be stood here.”
Notable Contenders
Rory McIlroy left himself just too much to do, finishing one shot short in a tie for third with Højgaard, after a stunning 62 closing round of ten-under. It was his best-ever round on the DP World Tour, including eight birdie putts and one eagle.
The Danish golfer carded six birdies of his as well, but his hopes of topping the standings were dented by a dropped shot on the 12th. English golfer Richard Mansell produced an excellent final-round 63 to end up in a tie for fifth place with Australia’s Hillier.
