The English golfer Clinches Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Dramatic Playoff Battle Against Tommy Fleetwood
Aaron Rai displayed exceptional nerve to secure the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on the final day, defeating Tommy Fleetwood in a tense play-off after a rollercoaster final round of play.
The Englishman sank a decisive birdie from around eight feet to clinch the win, echoing his only previous tournament triumph at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was also a play-off win over the same opponent.
Final Round Drama
The champion entered the last day with a single stroke advantage over fellow Englishman Tommy Fleetwood and Danish golfer Højgaard. He ended up with a overall score of twenty-under after a topsy-turvy, 67 final round that included seven birdie putts and a pair of bogeys.
The challenger moved a stroke clear with two holes to play after a birdie on the 16th, but Rai pulled level again on the seventeenth and then missed a 10-foot birdie attempt to claim victory on the last green.
Playoff Decider
That led to a playoff at Yas Links where Rai prevailed to claim the title and $1.5 million (ÂŁ1.13 million) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a phenomenal player and an even more person. To play with him the final two rounds was really special,” 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 is. It is amazing to be holding the trophy.”
Other Performances
Rory McIlroy found himself just too much to do, coming up one shot short in a shared third place with Højgaard, after a stunning 10-under final round of 62. It was his lowest-ever round on the European Tour, comprising eight birdie putts and an eagle.
Højgaard fired six birdie putts of his as well, but his hopes of topping the leaderboard were dented by a dropped shot on the 12th. English golfer Richard Mansell produced an excellent last round 63 to finish tied for fifth with Australian Hillier.
