Aaron Rai Clinches the Abu Dhabi Title in Dramatic Play-Off Battle Versus Tommy Fleetwood
Aaron Rai displayed remarkable nerve to secure the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on the final day, defeating Tommy Fleetwood in a dramatic playoff after a rollercoaster final round of competition.
The Englishman nailed a crucial birdie from just over eight feet to seal the victory, echoing his sole prior tournament triumph at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was likewise a playoff win over Fleetwood.
Sunday's Play Drama
The champion started the final round with a single stroke advantage over fellow Englishman Fleetwood and Denmark’s Højgaard. He ended up with a total score of 263 after a topsy-turvy, 67 closing round that featured seven birdies and two bogeys.
The challenger edged one shot clear with two holes remaining after a birdie on the sixteenth, but Rai pulled level again on the 17th and then failed to convert a ten-foot birdie putt to claim victory on the last hole.
Playoff Climax
That led to a play-off at Yas Links where Rai prevailed to take the championship and $1.5m (£1.13m) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a world-class player and an even more individual. To play with him the last two days was truly memorable,” stated the winner, the present 30th-ranked player globally. “You’re so concentrated on your game and staying in the zone, it’s hard to put into words at the present how it is. It is amazing to be stood here.”
Notable Contenders
The Northern Irish star found himself just too much to make up, coming up a stroke short in a tie for third with the Dane, after a stunning 62 closing round of ten-under. It was McIlroy’s best-ever round on the European Tour, comprising eight birdies and an eagle.
Højgaard carded six birdie putts of his own, but his chances of leading the leaderboard were hit by a bogey on the twelfth. England’s Mansell hit an excellent last round seven-under to end up in a tie for fifth place with Australia’s Daniel Hillier.
