Aaron Rai Clinches Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Dramatic Play-Off Showdown Against Tommy Fleetwood
Aaron Rai displayed exceptional nerve to claim the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on Sunday, defeating Tommy Fleetwood in a tense play-off after a topsy-turvy final round of play.
Rai nailed a crucial birdie from around eight feet to clinch the victory, repeating his sole prior Rolex Series success at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was likewise a play-off victory against Fleetwood.
Sunday's Play Drama
Rai started the last day with a single stroke advantage over fellow Englishman Fleetwood and Danish golfer Nicolai Højgaard. He finished with a total score of 263 after a up-and-down, five-under closing round that featured seven birdies and two bogeys.
The challenger moved one shot clear with two holes to play after a birdie on the sixteenth, but his rival pulled level again on the 17th and then missed a 10-foot birdie attempt to win outright on the last green.
Play-Off Climax
This set up a playoff at Yas Links where the eventual winner triumphed to claim the championship and $1.5m (£1.13 million) in winnings.
{“Tommy is a phenomenal player and an even more person. To play with him the final two rounds was really special,” said the winner, the present world No 30. “You’re so concentrated on your game and maintaining focus, it’s difficult to put into words at the moment how it is. It is incredible to be stood here.”
Other Contenders
Rory McIlroy left himself just too much to do, finishing one shot behind in a shared third place with the Dane, after a spectacular 10-under final round of 62. It was McIlroy’s lowest-ever round on the DP World Tour, comprising eight birdie putts and an eagle.
Højgaard fired six birdies of his own, but his chances of topping the standings were hit by a bogey on the 12th. England’s Mansell hit an superb last round seven-under to finish in a tie for fifth place with Australian Hillier.
