Aaron Rai Secures Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Dramatic Playoff Battle Versus Tommy Fleetwood
Aaron Rai displayed remarkable composure to claim the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on Sunday, defeating Tommy Fleetwood in a dramatic playoff following a topsy-turvy final round of play.
Rai nailed a decisive birdie from around eight foot to seal the win, echoing his sole prior tournament success at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was also a playoff win against Fleetwood.
Sunday's Play Drama
The champion started the final round with a one-shot advantage over fellow Englishman Fleetwood and Denmark’s Nicolai Højgaard. He finished with a overall score of 263 after a topsy-turvy, five-under final round that featured seven birdie putts 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 missed a 10-foot birdie attempt to claim victory on the final hole.
Play-Off Climax
This set up a playoff at Yas Links where Rai prevailed to claim the championship and $1.5 million (£1.13 million) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a phenomenal player and an even better person. To compete alongside him the last two days was truly memorable,” said the winner, the present 30th-ranked player globally. “You’re so focused on playing the round and maintaining focus, it’s hard to describe at the moment how it is. It is amazing to be stood here.”
Notable Contenders
The Northern Irish star found himself a bit too far to do, finishing one shot behind in a tie for third with Højgaard, after a spectacular 10-under final round of ten-under. It was his lowest-ever round on the DP World Tour, including eight birdies and one eagle.
Højgaard carded six birdie putts of his as well, but his hopes of topping the leaderboard were hit by a dropped shot on the 12th. English golfer Mansell produced an superb last round seven-under to end up in a tie for fifth place with Australia’s Daniel Hillier.
