Aaron Rai Wins Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Thrilling Play-Off Showdown Against Tommy Fleetwood
Aaron Rai demonstrated exceptional nerve to claim the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on the final day, defeating his compatriot in a tense play-off after a topsy-turvy last day of competition.
The Englishman sank a crucial birdie from just over eight foot to seal the win, echoing his sole prior Rolex Series triumph at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was likewise a playoff victory against the same opponent.
Final Round Drama
Rai entered the final round with a one-shot lead over countryman Fleetwood and Danish golfer Højgaard. He ended up with a total score of twenty-under after a topsy-turvy, 67 final round that included seven birdies and a pair of bogeys.
The challenger edged one shot ahead with two holes remaining after a birdie on the sixteenth, but his rival pulled level again on the 17th and then missed a ten-foot birdie putt to win outright on the last hole.
Play-Off Decider
That set up a playoff at Yas Links where the eventual winner triumphed to take the championship and $1.5m (£1.13m) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a phenomenal player and an even better person. To compete alongside him the last two days was really special,” stated the winner, the current world No 30. “You’re so focused on playing the round and staying in the zone, it’s difficult to describe at the moment how it feels. It is amazing to be stood here.”
Notable Performances
Rory McIlroy left himself just too much to make up, coming up a stroke behind in a tie for third with Højgaard, after a spectacular 62 closing round of ten-under. It was his best-ever score on the European Tour, comprising eight birdies and an eagle.
The Danish golfer fired six birdies of his own, but his hopes of topping the standings were dented by a bogey on the twelfth. England’s Richard Mansell produced an superb final-round 63 to end up tied for fifth with Australia’s Hillier.
