Aaron Rai Clinches the Abu Dhabi Title in Thrilling Playoff Battle Against Fellow Englishman Fleetwood
The 30-year-old golfer displayed exceptional nerve to secure the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on Sunday, beating his compatriot in a tense playoff after a topsy-turvy last day of play.
The Englishman sank a decisive birdie putt from just over eight feet to seal the win, repeating his sole prior Rolex Series triumph at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was likewise a playoff victory over the same opponent.
Final Round Excitement
Rai entered the last day with a single stroke advantage over countryman Fleetwood and Danish golfer Nicolai Højgaard. He finished with a total score of 263 after a up-and-down, 67 closing round that included seven birdie putts and two bogeys.
The challenger moved one shot clear with two holes to play after a birdie on the 16th, but Rai pulled level again on the seventeenth and then missed a ten-foot birdie putt to claim victory on the last green.
Playoff Decider
That set up a playoff at the Yas Links course where Rai prevailed to take the championship and $1.5m (£1.13 million) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a world-class player and an even more individual. To compete alongside him the final two rounds was really special,” said the winner, the present world No 30. “You’re so focused on your game and maintaining focus, it’s difficult to describe at the present how it feels. It is amazing to be holding the trophy.”
Other Contenders
The Northern Irish star found himself just too much to make up, coming up a stroke behind in a shared third place with the Dane, after a stunning 62 final round of ten-under. It was McIlroy’s best-ever score on the DP World Tour, including eight birdie putts and one eagle.
Højgaard carded six birdies of his as well, but his chances of leading the leaderboard were hit by a bogey on the twelfth. English golfer Richard Mansell hit an excellent final-round 63 to finish in a tie for fifth place with Australian Daniel Hillier.
