Aaron Rai Wins Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Thrilling Playoff Showdown Versus Tommy Fleetwood
The 30-year-old golfer displayed remarkable nerve to secure the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on Sunday, defeating Tommy Fleetwood in a tense playoff after a rollercoaster final round of competition.
The Englishman sank a crucial birdie from just over eight foot to seal the win, repeating his sole prior tournament success at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was also a play-off victory against Fleetwood.
Final Round Excitement
The champion entered the last day with a single stroke advantage over fellow Englishman Fleetwood and Danish golfer Nicolai Højgaard. He ended up with a total score of twenty-under after a topsy-turvy, five-under closing round that included seven birdies and a pair of bogeys.
Fleetwood moved one shot ahead with two holes remaining after a birdie on the sixteenth, but his rival tied it up again on the 17th and then failed to convert a ten-foot birdie attempt to claim victory on the final green.
Playoff Decider
This set up a playoff at Yas Links where Rai triumphed to claim the title and $1.5 million (£1.13m) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a world-class player and an even more person. To compete alongside him the final two rounds was truly memorable,” said the winner, the current world No 30. “You’re so concentrated on your game and staying in the zone, it’s difficult to describe at the present how it is. It is incredible to be stood here.”
Other Performances
The Northern Irish star found himself a bit too far to do, coming up a stroke short in a tie for third with Højgaard, after a stunning 62 final round of 62. It was McIlroy’s lowest-ever round on the European Tour, comprising eight birdies and one eagle.
The Danish golfer carded six birdie putts of his as well, but his hopes of leading the standings were dented by a dropped shot on the 12th. England’s Mansell hit an excellent last round seven-under to end up in a tie for fifth place with Australian Daniel Hillier.
