The English golfer Secures the Abu Dhabi Title in Dramatic Play-Off Battle Versus Tommy Fleetwood
Aaron Rai demonstrated remarkable composure to secure the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on Sunday, beating his compatriot in a tense playoff after a topsy-turvy last day of play.
Rai nailed a decisive birdie from around eight foot to seal the victory, repeating his only previous Rolex Series success at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was also a play-off victory against the same opponent.
Sunday's Play Drama
Rai started the last day with a single stroke advantage over countryman Fleetwood and Danish golfer Højgaard. He ended up with a overall score of twenty-under after a up-and-down, five-under final round that featured seven birdies and a pair of bogeys.
Fleetwood edged one shot ahead with two holes to play after a birdie putt on the sixteenth, but his rival tied it up again on the 17th and then missed a 10-foot birdie attempt to claim victory on the last hole.
Playoff Decider
This set up a play-off at Yas Links where Rai triumphed to claim the title and $1.5 million (£1.13m) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a world-class golfer and an even more person. To compete alongside him the final two rounds was truly memorable,” stated the winner, the current world No 30. “You’re so focused on playing the round and staying in the zone, it’s difficult to describe at the moment how it is. It is incredible to be stood here.”
Notable Performances
Rory McIlroy left himself just too much to make up, finishing one shot short in a tie for third with Højgaard, after a stunning 62 final round of 62. It was his lowest-ever round on the DP World Tour, comprising eight birdies and an eagle.
The Danish golfer fired six birdies of his as well, but his hopes of topping the leaderboard were dented by a bogey on the twelfth. England’s Richard Mansell hit an excellent last round seven-under to end up in a tie for fifth place with Australian Hillier.
