Aaron Rai Secures the Abu Dhabi Title in Thrilling Play-Off Showdown Against Tommy Fleetwood
The 30-year-old golfer displayed remarkable composure to claim the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on Sunday, beating his compatriot in a tense playoff following a rollercoaster last day of play.
The Englishman sank a decisive birdie putt from just over eight foot to clinch the win, echoing his sole prior tournament success at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was also a play-off victory over the same opponent.
Final Round Excitement
The champion entered the final round with a single stroke advantage over countryman Tommy Fleetwood and Danish golfer Nicolai Højgaard. He ended up with a total score of twenty-under after a topsy-turvy, 67 closing round that included seven birdies and a pair of bogeys.
Fleetwood edged a stroke clear with the 16th and 17th remaining after a birdie on the 16th, but his rival pulled level again on the 17th and then missed a ten-foot birdie putt to win outright on the last hole.
Play-Off Decider
This led to a playoff at the Yas Links course where Rai triumphed to take the championship and $1.5 million (£1.13m) in winnings.
{“Tommy is a world-class player and an even better person. To play with him the final two rounds was really special,” said the winner, the current world No 30. “You’re so focused on your game and maintaining focus, it’s difficult to put into words at the present how it is. It is incredible to be holding the trophy.”
Notable Contenders
The Northern Irish star found himself just too much to make up, coming up a stroke short in a tie for third with the Dane, after a spectacular 10-under final round of ten-under. It was his lowest-ever round on the DP World Tour, including eight birdies and an eagle.
Højgaard fired six birdies of his own, but his chances of topping the leaderboard were dented by a dropped shot on the twelfth. English golfer Richard Mansell produced an excellent last round 63 to finish tied for fifth with Australian Hillier.
