The English golfer Clinches the Abu Dhabi Title in Thrilling Play-Off Showdown Versus Tommy Fleetwood
Aaron Rai displayed remarkable composure to secure the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on the final day, defeating his compatriot in a dramatic playoff following a topsy-turvy final round of play.
Rai sank a decisive birdie putt from around eight feet to clinch the win, echoing his sole prior Rolex Series triumph at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was also a play-off win against Fleetwood.
Final Round Drama
The champion started the last day with a single stroke lead over fellow Englishman Fleetwood and Denmark’s Nicolai Højgaard. He ended up with a total score of 263 after a topsy-turvy, 67 closing round that featured seven birdies and two bogeys.
The challenger edged a stroke clear with two holes remaining after a birdie on the sixteenth, but Rai pulled level again on the 17th and then failed to convert a ten-foot birdie putt to win outright on the final hole.
Playoff Climax
That set up a playoff at the Yas Links course where Rai prevailed to take the championship and $1.5m (£1.13 million) in winnings.
{“Tommy is a phenomenal golfer and an even more individual. To compete alongside him the last two days was truly memorable,” said Rai, the current world No 30. “You’re so concentrated on your game and maintaining focus, it’s difficult to describe at the moment how it is. It is amazing to be holding the trophy.”
Notable Contenders
The Northern Irish star left himself a bit too far to do, finishing one shot short in a tie for third with Højgaard, after a stunning 62 closing round of 62. It was his best-ever score on the DP World Tour, comprising eight birdie putts and one eagle.
Højgaard carded six birdie putts of his as well, but his hopes of topping the leaderboard were hit by a dropped shot on the twelfth. English golfer Mansell hit an excellent last round 63 to end up in a tie for fifth place with Australia’s Daniel Hillier.
