The English golfer Wins Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Thrilling Playoff Battle Against Tommy Fleetwood
Aaron Rai displayed remarkable nerve to claim the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on the final day, defeating Tommy Fleetwood in a dramatic play-off after a rollercoaster final round of play.
The Englishman sank a decisive birdie from around eight feet to clinch the win, echoing his sole prior Rolex Series triumph at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was also a playoff victory over Fleetwood.
Final Round Excitement
Rai entered the final round with a single stroke lead over countryman Fleetwood and Denmark’s Højgaard. He finished with a overall score of 263 after a up-and-down, 67 closing round that included seven birdie putts and a pair of bogeys.
Fleetwood moved one shot ahead with the 16th and 17th remaining after a birdie putt on the sixteenth, but Rai tied it up again on the seventeenth and then failed to convert a ten-foot birdie putt to claim victory on the final hole.
Play-Off Decider
This set up a playoff at Yas Links where Rai prevailed to claim the title and $1.5m (£1.13 million) in winnings.
{“Tommy is a world-class golfer and an even better individual. To play with him the final two rounds was really special,” said Rai, the current world No 30. “You’re so focused on your game and maintaining focus, it’s difficult to put into words at the present how it feels. It is incredible to be holding the trophy.”
Other Contenders
The Northern Irish star found himself just too much to do, coming up one shot behind in a tie for third with the Dane, after a spectacular 10-under final round of 62. It was his lowest-ever score on the DP World Tour, comprising eight birdies and one eagle.
The Danish golfer carded six birdies of his as well, but his hopes of topping the leaderboard were dented by a dropped shot on the 12th. English golfer Richard Mansell produced an superb last round seven-under to end up tied for fifth with Australia’s Daniel Hillier.
