The English golfer Wins the Abu Dhabi Title in Thrilling Playoff Battle Versus Tommy Fleetwood
Aaron Rai demonstrated remarkable composure to claim the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on Sunday, beating his compatriot in a tense play-off after a topsy-turvy final round of play.
The Englishman sank a decisive birdie putt from around eight feet to seal the victory, echoing his sole prior tournament success at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was likewise a play-off victory over Fleetwood.
Final Round Drama
The champion started the last day with a one-shot advantage over fellow Englishman Fleetwood and Danish golfer Nicolai Højgaard. He ended up with a total score of twenty-under after a topsy-turvy, five-under closing round that included seven birdies and two bogeys.
The challenger edged one shot clear with two holes to play after a birdie on the 16th, but his rival pulled level again on the 17th and then failed to convert a ten-foot birdie putt to claim victory on the final hole.
Play-Off Climax
This set up a play-off at Yas Links where the eventual winner prevailed to take the championship and $1.5m (£1.13 million) in winnings.
{“Tommy is a world-class player and an even better person. To play with him the last two days was truly memorable,” stated the winner, the current 30th-ranked player globally. “You’re so concentrated on your game and staying in the zone, it’s difficult to put into words at the moment how it feels. It is incredible to be stood here.”
Notable Contenders
Rory McIlroy left himself just too much to do, coming up one shot behind in a shared third place with Højgaard, after a stunning 10-under final round of ten-under. It was his best-ever round on the European Tour, including eight birdie putts and one eagle.
The Danish golfer fired six birdie putts of his own, but his chances of leading the standings were dented by a dropped shot on the twelfth. England’s Richard Mansell hit an superb last round seven-under to end up in a tie for fifth place with Australia’s Daniel Hillier.
