The English golfer Clinches Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Dramatic Playoff Battle Versus Fellow Englishman Fleetwood
Aaron Rai displayed remarkable composure to secure the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on Sunday, defeating his compatriot in a tense play-off after a rollercoaster final round of competition.
Rai nailed a crucial birdie putt from around eight foot to clinch the win, echoing his only previous tournament triumph at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was likewise a playoff win against Fleetwood.
Sunday's Play Drama
Rai entered the final round with a one-shot 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 included seven birdie putts and two bogeys.
Fleetwood edged one shot clear with two holes to play after a birdie putt on the 16th, but his rival pulled level again on the 17th and then missed a 10-foot birdie attempt to win outright on the last hole.
Playoff Decider
This set up a playoff at the Yas Links course where Rai prevailed to take the championship and $1.5m (£1.13m) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a phenomenal golfer and an even more person. To play with him the final two rounds was truly memorable,” stated the winner, the current 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 moment how it is. It is amazing to be holding the trophy.”
Notable Contenders
Rory McIlroy left himself just too much to do, finishing one shot behind in a tie for third with the Dane, after a stunning 62 closing round of ten-under. It was McIlroy’s lowest-ever round on the DP World Tour, comprising eight birdie putts and an eagle.
The Danish golfer fired six birdie putts of his as well, but his chances of topping the standings were hit by a dropped shot on the twelfth. England’s Mansell produced an excellent final-round 63 to finish in a tie for fifth place with Australia’s Daniel Hillier.
