Aaron Rai Clinches the Abu Dhabi Title in Dramatic Play-Off Showdown Against Fellow Englishman Fleetwood
Aaron Rai demonstrated remarkable nerve to secure the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on the final day, defeating Tommy Fleetwood in a dramatic playoff following a topsy-turvy final round of competition.
Rai sank a decisive birdie from around eight foot to clinch the victory, echoing his sole prior Rolex Series success at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was also a play-off win against Fleetwood.
Sunday's Play Drama
The champion started the last day with a single stroke advantage over countryman Fleetwood and Denmark’s Nicolai Højgaard. He ended up with a total score of 263 after a topsy-turvy, five-under final round that included seven birdies and a pair of bogeys.
Fleetwood edged one shot ahead with the 16th and 17th remaining 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 claim victory on the last green.
Playoff Climax
That set up a play-off at Yas Links where the eventual winner triumphed to claim the title and $1.5 million (£1.13m) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a world-class player and an even more person. To compete alongside him the last two days was truly memorable,” stated the winner, the current world No 30. “You’re so concentrated on playing the round and staying in the zone, it’s hard to put into words at the present how it feels. It is incredible to be stood here.”
Other Performances
Rory McIlroy left himself a bit too far to do, coming up a stroke behind in a tie for third with the Dane, after a stunning 10-under final round of 62. It was McIlroy’s best-ever round on the European Tour, comprising eight birdies and an eagle.
The Danish golfer carded six birdies of his own, but his chances of leading the standings were hit by a bogey on the twelfth. England’s Richard Mansell hit an superb last round seven-under to end up in a tie for fifth place with Australian Daniel Hillier.
