The English golfer Wins Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Thrilling Playoff Showdown Against Tommy Fleetwood
Aaron Rai demonstrated remarkable nerve to secure the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on the final day, beating Tommy Fleetwood in a tense playoff following a rollercoaster last day of play.
The Englishman sank a decisive birdie putt from around eight feet to clinch the win, echoing his only previous tournament triumph at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was likewise a play-off win over Fleetwood.
Final Round Drama
Rai entered the last day with a one-shot advantage over countryman 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.
The challenger moved a stroke clear with the 16th and 17th remaining after a birdie putt on the 16th, but Rai tied it up again on the seventeenth and then failed to convert a ten-foot birdie putt to win outright on the last hole.
Playoff Climax
That set up a playoff at Yas Links where Rai prevailed to take the title and $1.5m (£1.13 million) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a world-class player and an even more individual. To compete alongside him the last two days was truly memorable,” said Rai, the current world No 30. “You’re so concentrated on your game and staying in the zone, it’s hard to put into words at the moment how it is. It is amazing to be stood here.”
Notable Contenders
The Northern Irish star found himself a bit too far to do, finishing one shot behind in a tie for third with Højgaard, after a stunning 62 final round of ten-under. It was McIlroy’s lowest-ever score on the DP World Tour, including eight birdies and one eagle.
Højgaard carded six birdie putts of his as well, but his hopes of leading the leaderboard were dented by a dropped shot on the 12th. English golfer Richard Mansell hit an superb last round 63 to finish tied for fifth with Australia’s Hillier.