The English golfer Clinches Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Dramatic Play-Off Showdown Against Tommy Fleetwood
Aaron Rai displayed remarkable nerve to secure the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on Sunday, beating his compatriot in a dramatic playoff after a rollercoaster final round of play.
Rai sank a crucial birdie putt from just over eight foot to seal the win, echoing his sole prior tournament success at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was likewise a playoff victory over Fleetwood.
Final Round Excitement
The champion started the final round with a single stroke lead over countryman Fleetwood and Danish golfer Højgaard. He ended up with a overall score of 263 after a topsy-turvy, 67 final round that included seven birdie putts and a pair of bogeys.
Fleetwood moved a stroke clear with two holes remaining after a birdie putt on the sixteenth, but Rai tied it up again on the 17th and then failed to convert a 10-foot birdie putt to claim victory on the final green.
Playoff Climax
That led to a play-off at the Yas Links course where Rai triumphed to take the title and $1.5 million (£1.13 million) in winnings.
{“Tommy is a phenomenal golfer and an even more individual. To play with him the final two rounds was really special,” stated Rai, the present 30th-ranked player globally. “You’re so concentrated on playing the round and staying in the zone, it’s difficult to describe at the moment how it is. It is incredible to be stood here.”
Notable Contenders
Rory McIlroy left himself just too much to make up, finishing a stroke short in a tie for third with Højgaard, after a stunning 10-under closing round of ten-under. It was McIlroy’s lowest-ever score on the European Tour, including eight birdies and one eagle.
Højgaard fired six birdies of his own, but his chances of leading the standings were dented by a dropped shot on the 12th. English golfer Mansell hit an superb final-round 63 to finish tied for fifth with Australian Daniel Hillier.
