Aaron Rai Clinches the Abu Dhabi Title in Dramatic Playoff Showdown Versus Tommy Fleetwood
Aaron Rai displayed remarkable composure to claim the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on the final day, beating his compatriot in a tense playoff following a topsy-turvy last day of play.
The Englishman sank a decisive birdie from just over eight foot to seal the win, repeating his sole prior Rolex Series triumph at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was likewise a play-off victory against Fleetwood.
Final Round Excitement
The champion started the last day with a one-shot advantage over countryman Fleetwood and Denmark’s Nicolai Højgaard. He finished with a total score of twenty-under after a up-and-down, 67 closing round that included seven birdies and a pair of bogeys.
The challenger moved a stroke clear with the 16th and 17th to play after a birdie on the 16th, but Rai pulled level again on the 17th and then failed to convert a 10-foot birdie putt to claim victory on the final hole.
Play-Off Decider
That led to a play-off at Yas Links where the eventual winner triumphed to claim the championship and $1.5m (£1.13m) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a phenomenal golfer and an even better person. To compete alongside him the last two days was truly memorable,” said the winner, the current world No 30. “You’re so focused on playing the round and maintaining focus, it’s difficult to put into words at the moment how it is. It is amazing to be holding the trophy.”
Other Performances
The Northern Irish star left himself a bit too far to make up, coming up one shot short in a tie for third with the Dane, after a stunning 62 final round of ten-under. It was McIlroy’s best-ever score on the DP World Tour, including eight birdie putts and an eagle.
The Danish golfer carded six birdies of his as well, but his chances of leading the standings were dented by a dropped shot on the twelfth. English golfer Mansell produced an superb final-round seven-under to finish in a tie for fifth place with Australia’s Daniel Hillier.
