Aaron Rai Clinches Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Dramatic Playoff Battle Versus Tommy Fleetwood
The 30-year-old golfer demonstrated exceptional composure to secure the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on the final day, beating Tommy Fleetwood in a tense play-off following a rollercoaster final round of competition.
Rai sank a decisive birdie from around eight feet to seal the win, repeating his sole prior Rolex Series success at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was also a play-off victory over Fleetwood.
Final Round Drama
The champion started the last day with a one-shot lead over fellow Englishman Tommy Fleetwood and Denmark’s Nicolai Højgaard. He ended up with a overall score of twenty-under after a topsy-turvy, 67 closing round that featured seven birdie putts and a pair of bogeys.
Fleetwood moved one shot ahead with the 16th and 17th to play after a birdie on the 16th, but Rai tied it up again on the 17th and then missed a ten-foot birdie putt to win outright on the final hole.
Play-Off Climax
This led to a play-off at the Yas Links course where Rai prevailed to claim the title and $1.5 million (£1.13 million) in winnings.
{“Tommy is a phenomenal player and an even better individual. To play with him the last two days was really special,” said Rai, the current world No 30. “You’re so concentrated on playing the round and maintaining focus, it’s hard to put into words at the present how it feels. It is incredible to be holding the trophy.”
Other Performances
Rory McIlroy left himself just too much to do, finishing one shot short in a tie for third with Højgaard, after a stunning 10-under closing round of ten-under. It was McIlroy’s lowest-ever score on the DP World Tour, including eight birdie putts and one eagle.
Højgaard fired six birdies of his own, but his chances of leading the leaderboard were dented by a dropped shot on the twelfth. English golfer Richard Mansell hit an superb last round seven-under to finish in a tie for fifth place with Australian Daniel Hillier.
