The English golfer Clinches the Abu Dhabi Title in Dramatic Play-Off Battle Against Fellow Englishman Fleetwood
Aaron Rai demonstrated remarkable composure to secure the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on the final day, defeating his compatriot in a dramatic playoff after a topsy-turvy last day of play.
Rai sank a crucial birdie from around eight feet to seal the win, repeating his only previous Rolex Series triumph at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was likewise a playoff victory over Fleetwood.
Final Round Drama
The champion entered the last day with a single stroke advantage over countryman Tommy Fleetwood and Danish golfer Nicolai Højgaard. He finished with a overall score of 263 after a up-and-down, five-under closing round that included seven birdie putts and two bogeys.
The challenger moved a stroke ahead with two holes remaining after a birdie on the 16th, but his rival tied it up again on the seventeenth and then failed to convert a ten-foot birdie attempt to win outright on the final green.
Playoff Decider
That led to a play-off at the Yas Links course where the eventual winner prevailed to take the championship and $1.5m (£1.13 million) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a phenomenal golfer and an even more individual. To play with him the last two days was really special,” stated the winner, the current world No 30. “You’re so concentrated on playing the round and staying in the zone, it’s difficult to put into words at the moment how it is. It is incredible to be holding the trophy.”
Notable Performances
Rory McIlroy found himself just too much to make up, finishing one shot short in a shared third place with the Dane, after a stunning 10-under final round of ten-under. It was his lowest-ever score on the DP World Tour, including eight birdies and one eagle.
Højgaard carded six birdie putts of his as well, but his hopes of topping the standings were hit by a bogey on the twelfth. England’s Richard Mansell hit an superb final-round 63 to finish tied for fifth with Australian Hillier.
