Aaron Rai Wins the Abu Dhabi Title in Thrilling Play-Off Showdown Versus Fellow Englishman Fleetwood
Aaron Rai demonstrated remarkable nerve to secure the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on Sunday, defeating Tommy Fleetwood in a tense play-off following a rollercoaster final round of competition.
The Englishman nailed a crucial birdie from just over eight feet to clinch the win, repeating his sole prior tournament triumph at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was also a playoff win over Fleetwood.
Sunday's Play Drama
Rai entered the final round with a single stroke lead over fellow Englishman Fleetwood and Denmark’s Nicolai Højgaard. He ended up with a overall score of 263 after a up-and-down, 67 final round that included seven birdies and a pair of bogeys.
The challenger edged a stroke clear with the 16th and 17th remaining after a birdie putt on the 16th, but Rai pulled level again on the 17th and then failed to convert a 10-foot birdie putt to win outright on the final green.
Playoff Decider
That set up a playoff at Yas Links where the eventual winner prevailed to take the title and $1.5m (ÂŁ1.13m) in winnings.
{“Tommy is a phenomenal player and an even more individual. 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 moment how it feels. It is amazing to be stood here.”
Notable Performances
The Northern Irish star left himself a bit too far to make up, finishing one shot behind in a shared third place with the Dane, after a stunning 10-under final round of 62. It was his lowest-ever score on the European Tour, comprising eight birdie putts and an eagle.
Højgaard fired six birdie putts of his own, but his hopes of leading the standings were dented by a bogey on the twelfth. English golfer Mansell produced an excellent last round seven-under to end up tied for fifth with Australia’s Hillier.
