The English golfer Wins Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Dramatic Playoff Battle Versus Tommy Fleetwood
Aaron Rai displayed remarkable composure to secure the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on Sunday, beating Tommy Fleetwood in a dramatic playoff after a rollercoaster final round of competition.
The Englishman sank a crucial birdie putt from around eight foot to clinch the win, repeating his only previous tournament success at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was likewise a play-off win against the same opponent.
Final Round Drama
Rai started the last day with a single stroke advantage over fellow Englishman Fleetwood and Danish golfer Nicolai Højgaard. He ended up with a total score of 263 after a topsy-turvy, five-under closing round that featured seven birdies and two bogeys.
The challenger edged a stroke ahead with two holes to play after a birdie on the sixteenth, but his rival pulled level again on the seventeenth and then failed to convert a ten-foot birdie putt to claim victory on the last hole.
Play-Off Climax
That set up a play-off at Yas Links where Rai prevailed to take the title and $1.5m (£1.13m) in winnings.
{“Tommy is a phenomenal golfer and an even better person. To compete alongside him the last two days was truly memorable,” stated Rai, the current world No 30. “You’re so focused on your game and staying in the zone, it’s hard to put into words 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 one shot behind in a shared third place with Højgaard, after a spectacular 10-under final round of ten-under. It was his best-ever score on the DP World Tour, including eight birdie putts and one eagle.
Højgaard carded six birdie putts of his as well, but his chances of topping the leaderboard were dented by a bogey on the 12th. English golfer Richard Mansell produced an excellent final-round 63 to finish in a tie for fifth place with Australian Daniel Hillier.
