Aaron Rai Clinches the Abu Dhabi Title in Dramatic Play-Off Showdown Versus Tommy Fleetwood
The 30-year-old golfer demonstrated exceptional nerve to claim the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on the final day, defeating his compatriot in a tense playoff after a topsy-turvy last day of play.
Rai nailed a decisive birdie from just over eight feet to clinch the victory, echoing his sole prior tournament triumph at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was also a play-off win against the same opponent.
Sunday's Play Drama
Rai entered the last day with a single stroke advantage over countryman Fleetwood and Denmark’s Højgaard. He ended up with a overall score of 263 after a topsy-turvy, 67 closing round that included seven birdie putts and two bogeys.
The challenger moved one shot clear with the 16th and 17th to play after a birdie putt on the 16th, but his rival tied it up again on the 17th and then missed a 10-foot birdie attempt to claim victory on the last hole.
Playoff Decider
That led to a play-off at the Yas Links course where the eventual winner triumphed to take the title and $1.5 million (£1.13 million) in winnings.
{“Tommy is a phenomenal player and an even more individual. To play with him the last two days was really special,” said the winner, the present 30th-ranked player globally. “You’re so concentrated on playing the round and staying in the zone, it’s difficult to describe at the moment how it feels. It is amazing to be stood here.”
Notable Performances
Rory McIlroy found himself just too much to make up, finishing one shot behind in a tie for third with the Dane, after a stunning 62 final round of 62. It was his best-ever round on the DP World Tour, comprising eight birdies and an eagle.
The Danish golfer carded six birdies of his as well, but his chances of topping the leaderboard were dented by a dropped shot on the 12th. English golfer Richard Mansell produced an superb final-round seven-under to end up in a tie for fifth place with Australia’s Hillier.