Aaron Rai Clinches the Abu Dhabi Title in Thrilling Play-Off Battle Versus Fellow Englishman Fleetwood
Aaron Rai displayed exceptional composure to claim the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on Sunday, defeating his compatriot in a tense playoff following a topsy-turvy last day of play.
Rai nailed a decisive birdie putt from around eight foot to clinch the victory, echoing his sole prior tournament triumph at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was likewise a playoff victory against the same opponent.
Final Round Drama
Rai entered the final round with a one-shot advantage over fellow Englishman Tommy Fleetwood and Danish golfer Højgaard. He finished with a total score of twenty-under after a topsy-turvy, 67 closing round that included seven birdie putts and two bogeys.
The challenger moved one shot ahead with the 16th and 17th to play after a birdie on the sixteenth, but his rival tied it up again on the seventeenth and then failed to convert a ten-foot birdie putt to win outright on the final green.
Playoff Climax
This led to a play-off at the Yas Links course where the eventual winner prevailed to claim the title and $1.5m (£1.13m) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a phenomenal player and an even better person. To play with him the final two rounds was truly memorable,” stated the winner, the present world No 30. “You’re so focused on your game and staying in the zone, it’s difficult to describe at the present how it is. It is incredible to be stood here.”
Notable Performances
The Northern Irish star found himself a bit too far to do, coming up a stroke behind in a tie for third with the Dane, after a stunning 62 closing round of ten-under. It was McIlroy’s lowest-ever score on the European Tour, comprising eight birdies and one eagle.
The Danish golfer carded six birdie putts of his as well, but his hopes of topping the standings were hit by a dropped shot on the twelfth. English golfer Mansell hit an superb last round seven-under to end up tied for fifth with Australian Hillier.
