Aaron Rai Secures Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Dramatic Playoff Battle Versus Fellow Englishman Fleetwood
The 30-year-old golfer demonstrated exceptional nerve to claim the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on the final day, defeating his compatriot in a tense playoff following a topsy-turvy last day of competition.
Rai sank a decisive birdie from just over eight feet to seal the victory, echoing his sole prior Rolex Series triumph at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was likewise a playoff victory over Fleetwood.
Final Round Excitement
The champion entered the final round with a single stroke lead over fellow Englishman Fleetwood and Denmark’s Højgaard. He finished with a total score of 263 after a up-and-down, five-under final round that included seven birdies and a pair of bogeys.
The challenger edged one shot clear with two holes remaining after a birdie on the sixteenth, but Rai tied it up again on the seventeenth and then missed a ten-foot birdie attempt to claim victory on the last hole.
Play-Off Decider
That led to a playoff at Yas Links where the eventual winner triumphed to claim the title and $1.5m (£1.13 million) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a world-class player and an even more person. To compete alongside him the final two rounds was truly memorable,” said the winner, the current world No 30. “You’re so focused on playing the round and maintaining focus, it’s hard to put into words at the moment how it feels. It is incredible to be stood here.”
Notable Performances
Rory McIlroy found himself a bit too far to make up, finishing one shot behind in a shared third place with Højgaard, after a stunning 62 final round of ten-under. It was his lowest-ever score on the European Tour, comprising eight birdie putts and an eagle.
The Danish golfer fired six birdies of his own, but his hopes of topping the standings were dented by a dropped shot on the 12th. English golfer Richard Mansell hit an excellent final-round 63 to end up in a tie for fifth place with Australia’s Hillier.
