Aaron Rai Clinches the Abu Dhabi Title in Dramatic Playoff Showdown Versus Fellow Englishman Fleetwood
The 30-year-old golfer displayed remarkable nerve to secure the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on Sunday, beating his compatriot in a tense play-off following a topsy-turvy last day of competition.
The Englishman nailed a crucial birdie putt from around eight foot to seal the win, repeating his only previous Rolex Series triumph at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was likewise a play-off victory against the same opponent.
Sunday's Play Drama
Rai entered the last day with a one-shot lead over fellow Englishman Tommy Fleetwood and Denmark’s Højgaard. He finished with a total score of twenty-under after a up-and-down, five-under closing round that featured seven birdies and a pair of bogeys.
The challenger moved a stroke clear with the 16th and 17th remaining after a birdie on the sixteenth, but his rival pulled level again on the seventeenth and then failed to convert a 10-foot birdie putt to claim victory on the final hole.
Playoff Climax
That led to a playoff at the Yas Links course where Rai prevailed to take the championship and $1.5m (£1.13m) in winnings.
{“Tommy is a world-class player and an even more individual. To play with him the final two rounds was truly memorable,” said Rai, the present 30th-ranked player globally. “You’re so concentrated on playing the round and maintaining focus, it’s hard to describe at the present how it is. It is incredible to be holding the trophy.”
Other Contenders
The Northern Irish star left himself a bit too far to do, finishing a stroke behind in a tie for third with the Dane, after a spectacular 62 closing round of ten-under. It was his best-ever round on the European Tour, comprising eight birdie putts and one eagle.
The Danish golfer carded six birdie putts of his as well, but his chances of topping the leaderboard were dented by a dropped shot on the 12th. England’s Mansell produced an superb last round 63 to end up tied for fifth with Australia’s Hillier.
