The English golfer Clinches Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Thrilling Playoff Battle Against Tommy Fleetwood
Aaron Rai demonstrated remarkable composure to secure the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on Sunday, beating his compatriot in a tense play-off after a rollercoaster last day of play.
The Englishman nailed a crucial birdie putt from around eight foot to seal the win, echoing his only previous tournament triumph at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was also a play-off win against the same opponent.
Sunday's Play Drama
The champion entered the final round with a single stroke lead over countryman Fleetwood and Denmark’s Nicolai Højgaard. He ended up with a overall score of 263 after a topsy-turvy, 67 final round that featured seven birdies and two bogeys.
Fleetwood moved a stroke clear with two holes to play after a birdie on the sixteenth, but his rival pulled level again on the seventeenth and then missed a ten-foot birdie attempt to claim victory on the last hole.
Play-Off Climax
This set up a play-off at Yas Links where Rai prevailed to take the title and $1.5 million (£1.13m) in winnings.
{“Tommy is a world-class player and an even more individual. To compete alongside him the final two rounds was really special,” stated the winner, the present world No 30. “You’re so concentrated 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.”
Notable Performances
Rory McIlroy found himself just too much to make up, coming up one shot short in a tie for third with Højgaard, after a spectacular 62 closing round of 62. It was McIlroy’s lowest-ever score on the European Tour, including eight birdie putts and an eagle.
Højgaard fired six birdie putts of his as well, but his hopes of topping the standings were dented by a dropped shot on the 12th. English golfer Mansell produced an superb last round 63 to finish in a tie for fifth place with Australia’s Hillier.
