Aaron Rai Wins the Abu Dhabi Title in Dramatic Playoff Battle Versus Tommy Fleetwood
Aaron Rai displayed remarkable composure to claim the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on the final day, defeating Tommy Fleetwood in a tense playoff after a topsy-turvy last day of play.
The Englishman nailed a decisive birdie putt from just over eight foot to clinch the victory, echoing his only previous Rolex Series triumph at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was also a playoff victory over Fleetwood.
Sunday's Play Drama
The champion started the final round with a single stroke advantage over fellow Englishman Fleetwood and Danish golfer Højgaard. He ended up with a total score of twenty-under after a topsy-turvy, 67 final round that featured seven birdies and two bogeys.
The challenger moved a stroke clear with two holes to play after a birdie putt on the 16th, but Rai pulled level again on the 17th and then missed a ten-foot birdie attempt to win outright on the final hole.
Playoff Climax
This led to a playoff at the Yas Links course where Rai triumphed to claim the title and $1.5m (£1.13m) in winnings.
{“Tommy is a phenomenal player and an even better individual. To compete alongside him the final two rounds was really special,” stated Rai, the current 30th-ranked player globally. “You’re so concentrated on playing the round and maintaining focus, it’s difficult to put into words at the moment how it feels. It is incredible to be stood here.”
Other Contenders
The Northern Irish star found himself a bit too far to do, finishing a stroke short in a shared third place with the Dane, after a spectacular 10-under final round of 62. It was his lowest-ever score on the European Tour, including eight birdies and an eagle.
Højgaard carded six birdie putts of his own, but his hopes of leading the leaderboard were dented by a dropped shot on the twelfth. England’s Richard Mansell hit an superb final-round 63 to end up in a tie for fifth place with Australia’s Daniel Hillier.
