Aaron Rai Wins the Abu Dhabi Title in Dramatic Playoff Battle Against Tommy Fleetwood
Aaron Rai demonstrated remarkable nerve to claim the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on the final day, defeating his compatriot in a dramatic play-off after a topsy-turvy last day of play.
Rai nailed a decisive birdie putt from around eight foot to clinch the win, echoing his sole prior Rolex Series triumph at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was likewise a playoff win over Fleetwood.
Final Round Excitement
Rai entered the final round with a one-shot lead over fellow Englishman Tommy Fleetwood and Denmark’s Højgaard. He finished with a total score of 263 after a topsy-turvy, five-under final round that included seven birdie putts and two bogeys.
The challenger moved a stroke clear with two holes remaining after a birdie on the sixteenth, but his rival pulled level again on the seventeenth and then missed a 10-foot birdie putt to win outright on the final green.
Play-Off Climax
This set up a play-off at the Yas Links course where Rai triumphed to take the title and $1.5 million (£1.13 million) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a world-class player and an even more person. To play with him the last two days was truly memorable,” said the winner, the current world No 30. “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 holding the trophy.”
Notable Contenders
Rory McIlroy left himself just too much to make up, coming up a stroke short in a shared third place with the Dane, after a stunning 62 final round of 62. It was McIlroy’s best-ever round on the European Tour, including eight birdies and an eagle.
Højgaard carded six birdie putts of his own, but his hopes of leading the standings were hit by a dropped shot on the twelfth. English golfer Richard Mansell hit an superb last round seven-under to end up in a tie for fifth place with Australia’s Daniel Hillier.
