Aaron Rai Clinches the Abu Dhabi Title in Dramatic Playoff Showdown Versus Fellow Englishman Fleetwood
Aaron Rai displayed exceptional nerve to claim the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on the final day, beating his compatriot in a tense playoff following a rollercoaster last day of play.
Rai nailed a crucial birdie putt from around eight foot to clinch the win, repeating his only previous tournament success at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was likewise a playoff win against the same opponent.
Final Round Drama
Rai entered the last day with a single stroke advantage over fellow Englishman Fleetwood and Denmark’s Nicolai Højgaard. He ended up with a total score of 263 after a topsy-turvy, five-under closing round that featured seven birdie putts and two bogeys.
Fleetwood moved one shot ahead with two holes to play after a birdie on the 16th, but Rai pulled level again on the seventeenth and then missed a 10-foot birdie attempt to win outright on the final hole.
Playoff Climax
That set up a playoff at Yas Links where Rai triumphed to take the title and $1.5 million (£1.13 million) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a world-class golfer and an even better person. To compete alongside him the last two days was really special,” stated the winner, the current world No 30. “You’re so focused on your game and staying in the zone, it’s difficult to put into words at the moment how it is. It is incredible to be holding the trophy.”
Other Contenders
Rory McIlroy found himself just too much to do, finishing a stroke behind in a tie for third with the Dane, after a stunning 62 final round of ten-under. It was his best-ever round on the DP World Tour, comprising eight birdie putts and an eagle.
Højgaard fired six birdies of his as well, but his hopes of leading the standings were hit by a bogey on the 12th. England’s Richard Mansell produced an superb last round 63 to end up in a tie for fifth place with Australian Daniel Hillier.
