The English golfer Wins the Abu Dhabi Title in Thrilling Playoff Showdown Against Tommy Fleetwood
Aaron Rai displayed exceptional composure to claim the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on the final day, defeating his compatriot in a dramatic playoff after a rollercoaster last day of competition.
The Englishman nailed a decisive birdie putt from just over eight foot to clinch the victory, echoing his only previous Rolex Series triumph at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was also a playoff win against Fleetwood.
Sunday's Play Excitement
Rai entered the final round with a one-shot lead over fellow Englishman Fleetwood and Denmark’s Højgaard. He finished with a overall score of 263 after a up-and-down, 67 closing round that included seven birdies and two bogeys.
The challenger moved one shot clear with the 16th and 17th to play after a birdie on the sixteenth, but his rival pulled level again on the 17th and then failed to convert a ten-foot birdie attempt to win outright on the last green.
Playoff Climax
This led to a play-off at Yas Links where Rai prevailed to claim the title and $1.5m (£1.13m) in prize money.
{“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 concentrated on your game and staying in the zone, it’s difficult to put into words at the present how it feels. It is incredible to be stood here.”
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 62 closing round of 62. It was his best-ever round on the European Tour, including eight birdie putts and an eagle.
The Danish golfer fired six birdie putts of his as well, but his hopes of topping the leaderboard were dented by a dropped shot on the twelfth. England’s Mansell produced an excellent last round seven-under to end up in a tie for fifth place with Australia’s Hillier.
