The English golfer Clinches Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Thrilling Playoff Battle Against Fellow Englishman Fleetwood
Aaron Rai displayed exceptional composure to secure the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on Sunday, defeating Tommy Fleetwood in a tense play-off following a topsy-turvy final round of play.
Rai nailed a decisive birdie from around eight feet to seal the victory, repeating his only previous tournament success at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was also a play-off win against Fleetwood.
Sunday's Play Excitement
The champion started the final round with a single stroke advantage over fellow Englishman Fleetwood and Danish golfer Højgaard. He finished with a total score of twenty-under after a up-and-down, five-under final round that included seven birdies and a pair of bogeys.
Fleetwood moved one shot clear with two holes remaining after a birdie putt on the 16th, but Rai pulled level again on the 17th and then missed a ten-foot birdie putt to claim victory on the final green.
Playoff Decider
This led to a play-off at the Yas Links course where Rai prevailed to claim the championship and $1.5 million (£1.13 million) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a phenomenal player and an even better individual. To play with him the final two rounds was truly memorable,” stated the winner, the present world No 30. “You’re so concentrated on playing the round and maintaining focus, it’s hard to put into words at the moment how it is. It is incredible to be stood here.”
Notable Performances
Rory McIlroy found himself a bit too far to make up, coming up a stroke short in a shared third place with the Dane, after a spectacular 62 final round of 62. It was his best-ever round on the European Tour, comprising eight birdies and an eagle.
The Danish golfer fired six birdies of his own, but his chances of topping the leaderboard were hit by a dropped shot on the 12th. England’s Mansell hit an superb last round 63 to end up tied for fifth with Australian Daniel Hillier.
