The English golfer Clinches the Abu Dhabi Title in Thrilling Playoff Showdown Versus Tommy Fleetwood
Aaron Rai demonstrated remarkable nerve to claim the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on the final day, beating Tommy Fleetwood in a dramatic playoff following a rollercoaster final round of competition.
Rai 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 win against Fleetwood.
Sunday's Play Drama
Rai started the last day with a one-shot lead over countryman Tommy Fleetwood and Denmark’s Højgaard. He finished with a total score of twenty-under after a up-and-down, 67 closing round that featured seven birdie putts and two bogeys.
The challenger edged a stroke ahead with the 16th and 17th to play after a birdie putt on the 16th, but Rai pulled level again on the seventeenth and then failed to convert a 10-foot birdie attempt to claim victory on the last hole.
Playoff Climax
That led to a play-off at the Yas Links course where Rai prevailed to take the title and $1.5m (ÂŁ1.13 million) in winnings.
{“Tommy is a phenomenal golfer and an even more individual. To play with him the last two days was truly memorable,” said the winner, the current 30th-ranked player globally. “You’re so focused on playing the round and maintaining focus, it’s difficult to put into words at the moment how it is. It is amazing to be holding the trophy.”
Other Contenders
The Northern Irish star left 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 his best-ever score on the DP World Tour, comprising eight birdie putts and one eagle.
Højgaard carded six birdies of his as well, but his chances of leading the standings were hit by a dropped shot on the 12th. English golfer Mansell hit an excellent final-round seven-under to finish in a tie for fifth place with Australia’s Daniel Hillier.
