Aaron Rai Wins Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Thrilling Play-Off Showdown Against Tommy Fleetwood
The 30-year-old golfer demonstrated exceptional nerve to claim the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on the final day, defeating his compatriot in a tense play-off after a rollercoaster last day of play.
The Englishman nailed a crucial birdie from around eight foot to seal the win, repeating his sole prior tournament triumph at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was likewise a play-off win over the same opponent.
Sunday's Play Excitement
Rai started the last day with a single stroke lead over fellow Englishman Tommy Fleetwood and Denmark’s Nicolai Højgaard. He ended up with a total score of 263 after a up-and-down, 67 closing round that included seven birdie putts and two bogeys.
The challenger edged one shot ahead with two holes remaining after a birdie putt on the sixteenth, but Rai pulled level again on the seventeenth and then failed to convert a ten-foot birdie putt to win outright on the last green.
Playoff Climax
This set up a playoff at Yas Links where the eventual winner prevailed to claim the title and $1.5m (ÂŁ1.13m) in winnings.
{“Tommy is a world-class player and an even more individual. To play with him the last two days was really special,” stated Rai, the present 30th-ranked player globally. “You’re so focused on playing the round and staying in the zone, it’s hard to put into words at the moment how it is. It is incredible to be holding the trophy.”
Notable Contenders
Rory McIlroy left himself a bit too far to make up, finishing a stroke behind in a shared third place with Højgaard, after a spectacular 62 final round of ten-under. It was McIlroy’s lowest-ever score on the DP World Tour, including eight birdie putts and an eagle.
Højgaard carded six birdie putts of his own, but his chances of topping the leaderboard were dented by a dropped shot on the 12th. English golfer Richard Mansell hit an excellent final-round 63 to finish in a tie for fifth place with Australian Daniel Hillier.
