The English golfer Clinches Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Thrilling Playoff Battle Against Fellow Englishman Fleetwood
Aaron Rai demonstrated exceptional nerve to secure the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on the final day, beating Tommy Fleetwood in a dramatic playoff after a topsy-turvy last day of competition.
The Englishman sank a crucial birdie putt from around eight foot to clinch the win, echoing his sole prior Rolex Series success 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 single stroke lead over countryman Fleetwood and Denmark’s Nicolai Højgaard. He finished with a overall score of twenty-under after a topsy-turvy, 67 closing round that featured seven birdies and a pair of bogeys.
The challenger moved one shot ahead with the 16th and 17th remaining after a birdie on the 16th, but his rival pulled level again on the 17th and then missed a ten-foot birdie putt to claim victory on the last hole.
Playoff Climax
This led to a playoff at Yas Links where the eventual winner prevailed to take the title and $1.5 million (£1.13m) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a world-class player and an even better individual. To compete alongside him the final two rounds was truly memorable,” said Rai, the present 30th-ranked player globally. “You’re so concentrated on your game and maintaining focus, it’s hard to describe at the present how it feels. It is incredible to be holding the trophy.”
Other Performances
The Northern Irish star left himself just too much to make up, finishing one shot short in a tie for third with the Dane, after a stunning 10-under final round of ten-under. It was McIlroy’s lowest-ever round on the DP World Tour, comprising eight birdies and an eagle.
Højgaard carded six birdies of his own, but his chances of topping the leaderboard were hit by a bogey on the 12th. English golfer Mansell produced an excellent final-round seven-under to finish in a tie for fifth place with Australia’s Hillier.
