Aaron Rai Secures Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Thrilling Play-Off Showdown Versus Tommy Fleetwood
The 30-year-old golfer displayed remarkable nerve to secure the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on Sunday, defeating Tommy Fleetwood in a tense play-off after a rollercoaster last day of competition.
Rai sank a crucial birdie from just over eight foot to seal the victory, echoing his only previous tournament success at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was likewise a play-off victory over Fleetwood.
Final Round Drama
The champion entered the last day with a one-shot advantage over fellow Englishman Fleetwood and Danish golfer Højgaard. He ended up with a overall score of 263 after a up-and-down, five-under closing round that included seven birdies and two bogeys.
The challenger edged one shot ahead with two holes remaining after a birdie putt on the 16th, but his rival pulled level again on the seventeenth and then failed to convert a 10-foot birdie attempt to claim victory on the final hole.
Play-Off Decider
This led to a play-off at the Yas Links course where the eventual winner prevailed to claim the championship and $1.5m (£1.13m) in winnings.
{“Tommy is a world-class golfer and an even more person. To play with him the last two days was truly memorable,” said Rai, the present world No 30. “You’re so focused on playing the round and maintaining focus, it’s hard to describe at the moment how it feels. It is incredible to be holding the trophy.”
Other Contenders
Rory McIlroy left himself a bit too far to do, coming up a stroke short in a shared third place with the Dane, after a stunning 62 final round of 62. It was McIlroy’s best-ever score on the DP World Tour, including eight birdie putts and an eagle.
The Danish golfer fired six birdie putts of his own, but his chances of topping the standings were hit by a dropped shot on the 12th. England’s Mansell produced an excellent last round 63 to finish tied for fifth with Australia’s Daniel Hillier.
