Aaron Rai Secures Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Dramatic Play-Off Battle Against Tommy Fleetwood
The 30-year-old golfer displayed remarkable nerve to secure the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on the final day, beating his compatriot in a dramatic playoff after a topsy-turvy last day of play.
The Englishman sank a decisive birdie putt from around eight feet to clinch the win, repeating his only previous Rolex Series success at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was likewise a playoff victory against the same opponent.
Sunday's Play Excitement
The champion started the last day with a one-shot advantage over countryman Tommy Fleetwood and Danish golfer Nicolai Højgaard. He finished with a overall score of 263 after a topsy-turvy, five-under closing round that included seven birdies and a pair of bogeys.
The challenger moved one shot clear with the 16th and 17th to play after a birdie putt on the sixteenth, but Rai tied it up again on the seventeenth and then failed to convert a 10-foot birdie putt to claim victory on the final hole.
Playoff Decider
That led to a play-off at Yas Links where the eventual winner prevailed to take the championship and $1.5 million (£1.13m) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a phenomenal player and an even more person. To play with him the final two rounds was truly memorable,” said Rai, the current world No 30. “You’re so concentrated on your game and maintaining focus, it’s difficult to put into words at the moment how it feels. It is amazing to be stood here.”
Other Contenders
The Northern Irish star found himself just too much to make up, coming up one shot behind in a shared third place with Højgaard, after a spectacular 62 closing round of 62. It was his best-ever round on the DP World Tour, comprising eight birdie putts and an 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 produced an excellent final-round 63 to finish tied for fifth with Australia’s Hillier.
