The English golfer Clinches Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Thrilling Playoff Battle Versus Fellow Englishman Fleetwood
Aaron Rai demonstrated exceptional composure to claim the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on the final day, defeating his compatriot in a tense playoff after a topsy-turvy final round of competition.
Rai sank a crucial birdie putt from around eight foot to seal the victory, echoing his only previous Rolex Series success at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was also a playoff victory over Fleetwood.
Sunday's Play Drama
The champion started the final round with a single stroke lead over fellow Englishman Fleetwood and Danish golfer Højgaard. He ended up with a overall score of twenty-under after a up-and-down, five-under closing round that included seven birdies and two bogeys.
The challenger edged one shot clear 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 10-foot birdie putt to claim victory on the final hole.
Play-Off Climax
This led to a playoff at the Yas Links course where Rai triumphed to take the title and $1.5m (£1.13 million) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a phenomenal player and an even more individual. To play with him the last two days was truly memorable,” said the winner, the current 30th-ranked player globally. “You’re so focused on your game and maintaining focus, it’s difficult to describe at the present how it feels. It is amazing to be holding the trophy.”
Notable Performances
Rory McIlroy left himself just too much to do, finishing a stroke behind in a tie for third with Højgaard, after a stunning 62 closing round of ten-under. It was his best-ever score on the DP World Tour, including eight birdie putts and an eagle.
The Danish golfer fired six birdie putts of his own, but his hopes of topping the leaderboard were hit by a dropped shot on the 12th. England’s Mansell hit an superb final-round 63 to end up tied for fifth with Australia’s Daniel Hillier.
