Aaron Rai Clinches Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Dramatic Play-Off Battle Versus Tommy Fleetwood
The 30-year-old golfer demonstrated exceptional composure to claim the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on the final day, beating Tommy Fleetwood in a tense play-off following a rollercoaster last day of competition.
Rai nailed a decisive birdie putt from around eight feet to clinch the victory, repeating his sole prior Rolex Series triumph at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was likewise a playoff victory against Fleetwood.
Sunday's Play Drama
Rai entered the final round with a single stroke advantage over fellow Englishman Tommy Fleetwood and Danish golfer Højgaard. He finished with a total score of twenty-under after a topsy-turvy, five-under final round that featured seven birdie putts and two bogeys.
The challenger edged one shot ahead with the 16th and 17th remaining after a birdie putt on the 16th, but his rival tied it up again on the 17th and then failed to convert a 10-foot birdie attempt to win outright on the last hole.
Play-Off Climax
This led to a playoff at Yas Links where Rai triumphed to claim the title and $1.5 million (£1.13m) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a world-class player and an even better individual. To compete alongside him the final two rounds was really special,” said Rai, the present world No 30. “You’re so concentrated on your game and staying in the zone, it’s hard to put into words at the moment how it feels. It is amazing to be holding the trophy.”
Notable Contenders
Rory McIlroy left himself a bit too far to do, finishing one shot behind in a tie for third with the Dane, after a spectacular 10-under final round of ten-under. It was his best-ever round on the European Tour, including eight birdie putts and one eagle.
The Danish golfer carded six birdie putts of his as well, but his chances of leading the leaderboard were dented by a dropped shot on the twelfth. England’s Mansell produced an excellent last round 63 to end up in a tie for fifth place with Australia’s Daniel Hillier.
