Aaron Rai Clinches Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Thrilling Playoff Battle Versus Tommy Fleetwood
Aaron Rai displayed exceptional composure to secure the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on Sunday, beating his compatriot in a tense playoff after a topsy-turvy final round of play.
Rai nailed a decisive birdie from just over eight foot to clinch the win, echoing his only previous Rolex Series triumph at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was likewise a play-off victory against Fleetwood.
Final Round Drama
The champion started the final round with a one-shot lead over countryman Tommy Fleetwood and Danish golfer Nicolai Højgaard. He ended up with a total score of 263 after a topsy-turvy, five-under final round that featured seven birdie putts and two bogeys.
Fleetwood moved one shot clear with the 16th and 17th to play after a birdie on the sixteenth, but Rai tied it up again on the seventeenth and then failed to convert a 10-foot birdie putt to win outright on the final hole.
Playoff Climax
That led to a play-off at the Yas Links course where the eventual winner triumphed to claim the title and $1.5m (£1.13m) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a world-class golfer and an even more individual. To compete alongside him the last two days was really special,” stated Rai, the current world No 30. “You’re so focused on your game and maintaining focus, it’s difficult to describe at the moment how it feels. It is amazing to be holding the trophy.”
Notable Performances
Rory McIlroy left himself a bit too far to do, coming up one shot behind in a shared third place with the Dane, after a stunning 62 closing round of 62. It was his lowest-ever round on the DP World Tour, including eight birdie putts and one eagle.
Højgaard carded six birdie putts of his as well, but his chances of topping the standings were hit by a bogey on the 12th. England’s Mansell hit an excellent final-round 63 to end up in a tie for fifth place with Australia’s Daniel Hillier.
