Aaron Rai Clinches the Abu Dhabi Title in Thrilling Play-Off Showdown Against Fellow Englishman Fleetwood
Aaron Rai demonstrated remarkable nerve to claim the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on the final day, beating Tommy Fleetwood in a dramatic play-off after a topsy-turvy final round of play.
Rai sank a crucial birdie putt from around eight foot to clinch the win, repeating his only previous Rolex Series triumph at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was likewise a playoff win over the same opponent.
Sunday's Play Excitement
Rai started the final round with a single stroke lead over fellow Englishman Fleetwood and Denmark’s Højgaard. He ended up with a overall score of twenty-under after a topsy-turvy, five-under final round that included seven birdie putts and two bogeys.
Fleetwood edged one shot clear with two holes remaining after a birdie putt on the sixteenth, but Rai tied it up again on the 17th and then missed a 10-foot birdie putt to win outright on the final green.
Playoff Climax
That set up a play-off at the Yas Links course where Rai triumphed to claim the championship and $1.5m (£1.13m) in winnings.
{“Tommy is a phenomenal golfer and an even more individual. To play with him the last two days was truly memorable,” said Rai, the present 30th-ranked player globally. “You’re so focused on playing the round and maintaining focus, it’s hard to put into words at the moment how it is. It is amazing to be stood here.”
Notable Performances
The Northern Irish star left himself just too much to make up, coming up a stroke short in a tie for third with Højgaard, after a stunning 10-under closing round of ten-under. It was his lowest-ever round on the European Tour, comprising eight birdies and one eagle.
The Danish golfer carded six birdies of his own, but his chances of leading the standings were hit by a dropped shot on the twelfth. England’s Mansell hit an excellent last round 63 to finish in a tie for fifth place with Australian Hillier.
