Aaron Rai Secures Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Dramatic Play-Off Battle Against Fellow Englishman Fleetwood
Aaron Rai demonstrated exceptional nerve to claim the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on the final day, defeating his compatriot in a dramatic playoff after a topsy-turvy final round of play.
The Englishman nailed a crucial birdie putt from around eight foot to seal the win, repeating his sole prior Rolex Series triumph at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was likewise a play-off win over Fleetwood.
Final Round Excitement
The champion entered the final round with a single stroke advantage over fellow Englishman Fleetwood and Danish golfer Nicolai Højgaard. He ended up with a total score of 263 after a up-and-down, five-under final round that included seven birdie putts and a pair of bogeys.
Fleetwood edged one shot clear with two holes to play after a birdie on the sixteenth, but his rival tied it up again on the 17th and then missed a 10-foot birdie attempt to win outright on the final hole.
Play-Off Climax
This led to a playoff at Yas Links where Rai prevailed to take the title and $1.5m (£1.13m) in winnings.
{“Tommy is a phenomenal golfer and an even more individual. To compete alongside him the final two rounds was really special,” said Rai, the present 30th-ranked player globally. “You’re so focused on playing the round and maintaining focus, it’s hard to put into words at the moment how it feels. It is incredible to be holding the trophy.”
Notable Contenders
Rory McIlroy found himself a bit too far to make up, coming up one shot short in a tie for third with the Dane, after a spectacular 10-under final round of ten-under. It was his lowest-ever score on the DP World Tour, comprising eight birdie putts and an eagle.
Højgaard fired six birdies of his as well, but his chances of topping the standings were dented by a bogey on the twelfth. England’s Richard Mansell produced an excellent last round 63 to finish tied for fifth with Australian Hillier.
