Aaron Rai Wins the Abu Dhabi Title in Thrilling Play-Off Battle Versus Tommy Fleetwood
Aaron Rai demonstrated exceptional nerve to claim the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on the final day, beating Tommy Fleetwood in a tense play-off after a topsy-turvy last day of play.
The Englishman sank a decisive birdie from just over eight feet to seal the victory, repeating his only previous Rolex Series triumph at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was also a playoff victory over the same opponent.
Sunday's Play Excitement
Rai entered the last day with a one-shot lead over countryman Tommy Fleetwood and Danish golfer Nicolai Højgaard. He ended up with a total score of 263 after a topsy-turvy, 67 closing round that included seven birdies and two bogeys.
The challenger moved one shot clear with the 16th and 17th remaining after a birdie putt on the 16th, but his rival pulled level again on the 17th and then missed a 10-foot birdie putt to win outright on the last green.
Play-Off Climax
This led to a play-off at the Yas Links course where the eventual winner triumphed to claim the championship and $1.5 million (ÂŁ1.13m) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a phenomenal player and an even better person. To play with him the final two rounds was really special,” stated the winner, the current world No 30. “You’re so focused on your game and maintaining focus, it’s hard to describe at the moment how it feels. It is amazing to be stood here.”
Notable Performances
The Northern Irish star left himself a bit too far to do, finishing a stroke short in a tie for third with Højgaard, after a spectacular 10-under final round of 62. It was McIlroy’s best-ever round on the DP World Tour, including eight birdies and one eagle.
Højgaard carded six birdies of his as well, but his chances of leading the standings were dented by a bogey on the twelfth. English golfer Richard Mansell hit an excellent final-round seven-under to finish in a tie for fifth place with Australia’s Daniel Hillier.