Aaron Rai Wins Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Dramatic Playoff Battle Against Tommy Fleetwood
Aaron Rai displayed remarkable nerve to secure the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on the final day, defeating his compatriot in a dramatic play-off after a topsy-turvy final round of play.
Rai sank a decisive birdie putt from just over eight feet to seal the victory, echoing his only previous Rolex Series triumph at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was likewise a play-off victory against the same opponent.
Final Round Excitement
Rai entered the last day with a single stroke advantage over fellow Englishman Tommy Fleetwood and Danish golfer Nicolai Højgaard. He ended up with a total score of 263 after a up-and-down, five-under final round that featured seven birdies and a pair of bogeys.
Fleetwood moved one shot ahead with two holes remaining after a birdie putt on the sixteenth, but his rival pulled level again on the 17th and then failed to convert a ten-foot birdie attempt to claim victory on the final hole.
Playoff Climax
This led to a play-off at Yas Links where Rai triumphed to claim the championship and $1.5 million (£1.13 million) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a phenomenal player and an even better individual. To play with him the last two days was really special,” stated Rai, the present world No 30. “You’re so concentrated on playing the round and maintaining focus, it’s difficult to describe at the moment how it is. It is amazing to be holding the trophy.”
Notable Contenders
Rory McIlroy found himself just too much to make up, coming up a stroke short in a shared third place with the Dane, after a spectacular 10-under closing round of ten-under. It was his lowest-ever round on the DP World Tour, including eight birdie putts and an 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. English golfer Mansell hit an excellent final-round 63 to end up tied for fifth with Australia’s Daniel Hillier.
