Aaron Rai Wins the Abu Dhabi Title in Thrilling Play-Off Battle Versus Fellow Englishman Fleetwood
Aaron Rai displayed remarkable nerve to claim the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on Sunday, beating Tommy Fleetwood in a dramatic play-off after a topsy-turvy last day of competition.
Rai sank a decisive birdie from just over eight foot to clinch the win, echoing his only previous Rolex Series success at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was also a play-off win against Fleetwood.
Final Round Drama
The champion started the last day with a single stroke advantage over fellow Englishman Tommy Fleetwood and Denmark’s Højgaard. He finished with a overall score of 263 after a topsy-turvy, five-under final round that included seven birdies and a pair of bogeys.
Fleetwood moved one shot ahead with the 16th and 17th remaining after a birdie putt on the 16th, but Rai tied it up again on the 17th and then missed a ten-foot birdie attempt to win outright on the last hole.
Play-Off Climax
This led to a play-off at the Yas Links course where the eventual winner prevailed to claim the title and $1.5 million (£1.13 million) in winnings.
{“Tommy is a phenomenal golfer and an even more person. To compete alongside him the final two rounds was really special,” stated Rai, the current 30th-ranked player globally. “You’re so focused on your game and staying in the zone, it’s difficult to describe at the present how it feels. It is amazing to be holding the trophy.”
Other Performances
The Northern Irish star found himself a bit too far to do, coming up a stroke short in a shared third place with Højgaard, after a spectacular 62 final round of 62. It was McIlroy’s best-ever score on the European Tour, including eight birdies and an eagle.
The Danish golfer carded six birdie putts of his as well, but his chances of leading the standings were hit by a dropped shot on the twelfth. England’s Mansell produced an superb final-round 63 to end up in a tie for fifth place with Australian Daniel Hillier.
