Aaron Rai Secures the Abu Dhabi Title in Dramatic Playoff Battle 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 tense playoff after a rollercoaster last day of competition.
Rai sank a decisive birdie from around eight foot to clinch the win, repeating his sole prior Rolex Series success at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was also a playoff win over Fleetwood.
Sunday's Play Excitement
Rai started the last day with a one-shot advantage over fellow Englishman Fleetwood and Danish golfer Højgaard. He finished with a overall score of 263 after a up-and-down, five-under final round that featured seven birdies and two bogeys.
The challenger moved a stroke clear with the 16th and 17th to play after a birdie on the sixteenth, but Rai tied it up again on the 17th and then failed to convert a ten-foot birdie putt to win outright on the last green.
Play-Off Climax
That led to a play-off at the Yas Links course where the eventual winner prevailed to take the championship and $1.5m (£1.13m) in winnings.
{“Tommy is a phenomenal golfer and an even more individual. To play with him the final two rounds was really special,” said Rai, the current 30th-ranked player globally. “You’re so concentrated on playing the round and maintaining focus, it’s difficult to put into words at the present how it is. It is incredible to be stood here.”
Notable Contenders
Rory McIlroy left himself a bit too far to make up, coming up a stroke short in a tie for third with the Dane, after a spectacular 62 final round of 62. It was McIlroy’s best-ever round on the European Tour, comprising eight birdie putts and an eagle.
The Danish golfer fired six birdie putts of his as well, but his chances of topping the standings were dented by a dropped shot on the 12th. English golfer Richard Mansell produced an superb last round seven-under to finish tied for fifth with Australia’s Hillier.
