Aaron Rai Secures the Abu Dhabi Title in Thrilling Play-Off Showdown Against Fellow Englishman Fleetwood
Aaron Rai displayed exceptional nerve to secure the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on the final day, beating his compatriot in a dramatic playoff after a rollercoaster last day of play.
Rai nailed a decisive birdie from around eight foot to seal the victory, echoing his sole prior Rolex Series triumph at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was also a playoff victory against the same opponent.
Sunday's Play Drama
Rai started the final round with a single stroke lead over fellow Englishman Tommy Fleetwood and Danish golfer Højgaard. He finished with a overall score of 263 after a up-and-down, 67 closing round that included seven birdie putts and a pair of bogeys.
Fleetwood moved a stroke clear with the 16th and 17th to play after a birdie 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.
Playoff Climax
This led to a play-off at the Yas Links course where Rai prevailed to take the championship and $1.5 million (£1.13 million) in winnings.
{“Tommy is a phenomenal player and an even better individual. To compete alongside him the last two days was really special,” stated Rai, the current world No 30. “You’re so focused on playing the round and maintaining focus, it’s hard to describe at the moment how it is. It is incredible to be holding the trophy.”
Other Performances
Rory McIlroy left himself just too much to do, coming up a stroke short in a shared third place with Højgaard, after a stunning 62 closing round of ten-under. It was his best-ever round on the European Tour, including eight birdie putts and an eagle.
The Danish golfer carded six birdies of his own, but his hopes of topping the standings were dented by a dropped shot on the twelfth. English golfer Richard Mansell hit an excellent last round seven-under to finish tied for fifth with Australia’s Hillier.
