Aaron Rai Wins Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Thrilling Play-Off Showdown Against Fellow Englishman Fleetwood
Aaron Rai demonstrated remarkable nerve to claim the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on Sunday, beating his compatriot in a dramatic playoff after a rollercoaster last day of competition.
The Englishman nailed a crucial birdie from around eight foot to seal the win, echoing his sole prior tournament triumph at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was likewise a playoff win over the same opponent.
Sunday's Play Excitement
Rai entered the last day with a one-shot advantage over fellow Englishman Fleetwood and Danish golfer Højgaard. He finished with a total score of twenty-under after a topsy-turvy, five-under final round that featured seven birdie putts and a pair of bogeys.
Fleetwood edged one shot ahead with the 16th and 17th to play after a birdie putt on the sixteenth, but his rival pulled level again on the seventeenth and then missed a ten-foot birdie putt to win outright on the final green.
Playoff Decider
That set up a play-off at the Yas Links course where Rai prevailed to claim the championship and $1.5m (£1.13 million) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a world-class player and an even more individual. To play with him the final two rounds was truly memorable,” said the winner, the present 30th-ranked player globally. “You’re so focused on your game and maintaining focus, it’s difficult to put into words at the present how it feels. It is amazing to be holding the trophy.”
Other Performances
Rory McIlroy found himself a bit too far to make up, finishing a stroke behind in a tie for third with Højgaard, after a stunning 62 final round of ten-under. It was McIlroy’s best-ever score on the DP World Tour, comprising eight birdie putts and an eagle.
The Danish golfer fired six birdies of his as well, but his hopes of leading the standings were dented by a dropped shot on the 12th. England’s Mansell hit an superb final-round seven-under to end up in a tie for fifth place with Australian Daniel Hillier.
