Aaron Rai Wins the Abu Dhabi Title in Dramatic Playoff Battle Against Tommy Fleetwood
The 30-year-old golfer displayed exceptional nerve to claim the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on the final day, defeating Tommy Fleetwood in a tense playoff after a topsy-turvy final round of competition.
Rai sank a decisive birdie putt from just over eight foot to seal the victory, repeating his only previous tournament success at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was likewise a play-off win against Fleetwood.
Final Round Excitement
The champion started the last day with a single stroke advantage over fellow Englishman Fleetwood and Danish golfer Højgaard. He finished with a overall score of twenty-under after a up-and-down, 67 closing round that featured seven birdie putts and two bogeys.
The challenger moved a stroke ahead with the 16th and 17th to play after a birdie putt on the sixteenth, but Rai tied it up again on the 17th and then missed a 10-foot birdie putt to win outright on the final hole.
Play-Off Climax
That set up a playoff at Yas Links where the eventual winner triumphed to claim the championship and $1.5 million (£1.13 million) in winnings.
{“Tommy is a world-class golfer and an even better individual. To compete alongside him the final two rounds was truly memorable,” said Rai, the current world No 30. “You’re so focused on your game and staying in the zone, it’s difficult to describe at the present how it is. It is amazing to be stood here.”
Other Contenders
Rory McIlroy found himself a bit too far to do, coming up one shot short in a tie for third with the Dane, after a spectacular 10-under closing round of 62. It was his lowest-ever score on the European Tour, comprising eight birdie putts and one eagle.
The Danish golfer fired six birdies of his own, but his hopes of leading the standings were dented by a dropped shot on the 12th. England’s Richard Mansell produced an superb last round seven-under to end up in a tie for fifth place with Australia’s Hillier.
