Aaron Rai Clinches Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Thrilling Playoff Showdown Against Fellow Englishman Fleetwood
The 30-year-old golfer demonstrated remarkable nerve to claim the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on the final day, beating Tommy Fleetwood in a tense play-off following a rollercoaster last day of play.
Rai sank a decisive birdie putt from around eight foot to seal the win, echoing his sole prior Rolex Series success at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was also a play-off victory over Fleetwood.
Sunday's Play Drama
The champion started the last day with a one-shot advantage over countryman Fleetwood and Danish golfer Nicolai Højgaard. He ended up with a overall score of twenty-under after a up-and-down, 67 final round that included seven birdies and a pair of bogeys.
The challenger moved one shot clear with two holes remaining after a birdie on the sixteenth, but Rai tied it up again on the 17th and then failed to convert a 10-foot birdie attempt to claim victory on the final hole.
Playoff Decider
This set up a playoff at Yas Links where Rai triumphed to claim the championship and $1.5m (£1.13 million) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a world-class golfer and an even more person. To compete alongside him the last two days was truly memorable,” said Rai, the current world No 30. “You’re so focused on your game and staying in the zone, it’s hard to describe at the present how it feels. It is amazing to be holding the trophy.”
Other Contenders
The Northern Irish star found himself a bit too far to do, coming up a stroke behind in a tie for third with Højgaard, after a spectacular 10-under closing round of ten-under. It was his best-ever round on the European Tour, comprising eight birdie putts and one eagle.
Højgaard carded six birdies of his as well, but his chances of topping the leaderboard were hit by a dropped shot on the twelfth. England’s Richard Mansell hit an excellent final-round 63 to finish tied for fifth with Australia’s Daniel Hillier.
