Aaron Rai Wins Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Thrilling Play-Off Showdown Versus Fellow Englishman Fleetwood
The 30-year-old golfer displayed exceptional nerve to secure the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on the final day, beating his compatriot in a tense play-off after a topsy-turvy last day of play.
The Englishman nailed a decisive birdie from just over eight feet to clinch the victory, repeating his only previous Rolex Series triumph at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was likewise a playoff win against Fleetwood.
Sunday's Play Drama
The champion started the final round with a single stroke lead over fellow Englishman Fleetwood and Denmark’s Nicolai Højgaard. He ended up with a total score of 263 after a topsy-turvy, 67 final round that featured seven birdie putts and two bogeys.
Fleetwood moved a stroke ahead with the 16th and 17th remaining after a birdie on the 16th, but his rival tied it up again on the seventeenth and then failed to convert a 10-foot birdie putt to claim victory on the last green.
Playoff Climax
That set up a play-off at the Yas Links course where the eventual winner prevailed to take the title and $1.5m (£1.13m) in winnings.
{“Tommy is a world-class golfer and an even more individual. To compete alongside him the final two rounds was really special,” stated the winner, the present world No 30. “You’re so concentrated on playing the round and maintaining focus, it’s difficult to put into words at the moment how it is. It is incredible to be holding the trophy.”
Other Performances
The Northern Irish star left himself a bit too far to make up, finishing a stroke short in a tie for third with the Dane, after a stunning 10-under closing round of 62. It was McIlroy’s best-ever score on the DP World Tour, comprising eight birdies and one eagle.
The Danish golfer carded six birdie putts of his own, but his hopes of topping the standings were hit by a bogey on the twelfth. English golfer Richard Mansell hit an excellent last round seven-under to finish tied for fifth with Australian Daniel Hillier.
