The English golfer Secures the Abu Dhabi Title in Dramatic Play-Off Showdown Against Fellow Englishman Fleetwood
Aaron Rai displayed exceptional composure to claim the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on the final day, defeating Tommy Fleetwood in a tense play-off following a rollercoaster last day of play.
Rai sank a decisive birdie from around eight foot to clinch the win, echoing his only previous tournament success at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was likewise a play-off win over the same opponent.
Final Round Excitement
Rai entered the last day with a one-shot lead over fellow Englishman Fleetwood and Danish golfer Nicolai Højgaard. He ended up with a total score of 263 after a topsy-turvy, five-under final round that included seven birdies and two bogeys.
The challenger moved a stroke ahead with two holes remaining after a birdie on the 16th, but Rai tied it up again on the 17th and then failed to convert a 10-foot birdie putt to claim victory on the last green.
Playoff Decider
This set up a play-off at Yas Links where Rai prevailed to take the title and $1.5m (£1.13m) in winnings.
{“Tommy is a world-class player and an even better person. To compete alongside him the final two rounds was really special,” stated 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 is. It is amazing to be holding the trophy.”
Other Performances
The Northern Irish star left himself a bit too far to do, coming up one shot behind in a shared third place with Højgaard, after a stunning 10-under final round of ten-under. It was his best-ever score on the DP World Tour, including eight birdie putts and one eagle.
The Danish golfer carded six birdie putts of his as well, but his hopes of topping the standings were hit by a bogey on the twelfth. English golfer Richard Mansell produced an superb last round seven-under to end up in a tie for fifth place with Australian Daniel Hillier.