Aaron Rai Wins Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Thrilling Playoff Battle Versus Fellow Englishman Fleetwood
Aaron Rai displayed exceptional composure to secure the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on Sunday, defeating his compatriot in a dramatic play-off after a rollercoaster final round of play.
Rai nailed a decisive birdie from around eight foot to seal the win, repeating his sole prior tournament success at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was likewise a playoff victory against the same opponent.
Final Round Drama
Rai entered the final round with a single stroke advantage over fellow Englishman Tommy Fleetwood and Danish golfer Nicolai Højgaard. He ended up with a overall score of 263 after a topsy-turvy, five-under final round that included seven birdies and two bogeys.
Fleetwood moved one shot ahead with two holes remaining after a birdie putt on the 16th, but his rival pulled level again on the 17th and then missed a 10-foot birdie putt to claim victory on the last green.
Play-Off Climax
This set up a playoff at Yas Links where the eventual winner prevailed to claim the title and $1.5m (£1.13 million) in winnings.
{“Tommy is a phenomenal player and an even more person. To play with him the final two rounds was truly memorable,” stated the winner, the current world No 30. “You’re so focused on playing the round and staying in the zone, it’s hard to describe at the present how it feels. It is amazing to be holding the trophy.”
Other Performances
The Northern Irish star left himself just too much to do, coming up a stroke short in a shared third place with the Dane, after a stunning 62 closing round of ten-under. It was McIlroy’s lowest-ever round on the DP World Tour, comprising eight birdie putts and one eagle.
The Danish golfer carded six birdies of his own, but his hopes of leading the standings were hit by a dropped shot on the twelfth. England’s Mansell hit an excellent last round 63 to finish in a tie for fifth place with Australian Daniel Hillier.
