Aaron Rai Wins Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Thrilling Playoff Showdown Versus Tommy Fleetwood
Aaron Rai displayed remarkable nerve to secure the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on the final day, defeating his compatriot in a tense playoff following a rollercoaster last day of play.
The Englishman sank a crucial birdie from just over eight feet to seal the win, repeating his only previous Rolex Series success at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was likewise a play-off victory over the same opponent.
Sunday's Play Excitement
Rai started the final round with a single stroke lead over fellow Englishman Tommy Fleetwood and Danish golfer Højgaard. He ended up with a total score of 263 after a topsy-turvy, 67 closing round that included seven birdies and a pair of bogeys.
Fleetwood moved one shot clear with the 16th and 17th to play after a birdie putt on the sixteenth, but his rival tied it up again on the seventeenth and then missed a 10-foot birdie putt to claim victory on the last hole.
Play-Off Decider
That led to a play-off at Yas Links where the eventual winner prevailed to claim the title and $1.5 million (£1.13m) in winnings.
{“Tommy is a phenomenal golfer and an even more person. To play with him the last two days was truly memorable,” stated the winner, the current world No 30. “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 incredible to be holding the trophy.”
Other Contenders
Rory McIlroy left himself a bit too far to do, coming up one shot behind in a shared third place with the Dane, after a stunning 10-under final round of 62. It was McIlroy’s best-ever score on the European Tour, including eight birdies and one eagle.
The Danish golfer fired six birdie putts of his own, but his hopes of leading the standings were hit by a bogey on the 12th. England’s Mansell produced an superb last round seven-under to finish in a tie for fifth place with Australia’s Hillier.
