Aaron Rai Clinches the Abu Dhabi Title in Dramatic Play-Off Showdown Versus Fellow Englishman Fleetwood
The 30-year-old golfer demonstrated remarkable nerve to claim the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on the final day, defeating Tommy Fleetwood in a tense playoff following a rollercoaster last day of play.
Rai sank a crucial birdie from around eight foot to clinch the victory, echoing his sole prior Rolex Series success at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was likewise a playoff win over the same opponent.
Sunday's Play Excitement
The champion started the last day with a one-shot lead over countryman Fleetwood and Denmark’s Højgaard. He finished with a total score of 263 after a topsy-turvy, 67 closing round that featured seven birdie putts and two bogeys.
Fleetwood moved one shot ahead with two holes to play after a birdie putt on the 16th, but Rai pulled level again on the 17th and then missed a ten-foot birdie attempt to claim victory on the last hole.
Playoff Decider
This set up a play-off at the Yas Links course where the eventual winner triumphed to claim the championship and $1.5 million (£1.13 million) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a phenomenal player and an even more person. To play with him the final two rounds was truly memorable,” said Rai, the present 30th-ranked player globally. “You’re so focused on your game and staying in the zone, it’s difficult to put into words at the moment how it feels. It is incredible to be holding the trophy.”
Notable Contenders
Rory McIlroy left himself a bit too far to make up, coming up one shot behind in a shared third place with the Dane, after a spectacular 10-under final round of 62. It was his lowest-ever round on the European Tour, including eight birdies and an eagle.
Højgaard fired six birdie putts of his as well, but his chances of topping the standings were hit by a dropped shot on the twelfth. English golfer Richard Mansell produced an excellent last round seven-under to finish in a tie for fifth place with Australian Daniel Hillier.
