Aaron Rai Wins Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Dramatic Play-Off Showdown Against Fellow Englishman Fleetwood
The 30-year-old golfer displayed exceptional nerve to secure the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on the final day, defeating his compatriot in a tense play-off following a topsy-turvy final round of competition.
The Englishman nailed a crucial birdie putt from just over eight foot to seal the win, echoing his sole prior Rolex Series success at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was likewise a playoff victory against Fleetwood.
Sunday's Play Excitement
The champion entered the last day with a single stroke advantage over fellow Englishman Tommy Fleetwood and Denmark’s Nicolai Højgaard. He finished with a overall score of twenty-under after a up-and-down, 67 closing round that included seven birdies and a pair of bogeys.
Fleetwood edged one shot clear with the 16th and 17th remaining after a birdie putt on the sixteenth, but his rival tied it up again on the 17th and then missed a 10-foot birdie putt to win outright on the last green.
Playoff Decider
This led to a playoff at the Yas Links course where Rai prevailed to take the title and $1.5m (£1.13m) in winnings.
{“Tommy is a world-class golfer and an even better individual. To compete alongside him the final two rounds was really special,” said Rai, the present world No 30. “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 incredible to be holding the trophy.”
Other Performances
The Northern Irish star found himself just too much to make up, coming up one shot behind in a shared third place with the Dane, after a stunning 62 final round of 62. It was his best-ever score on the DP World Tour, comprising eight birdies and an eagle.
Højgaard carded six birdies of his as well, but his chances of topping the standings were hit by a dropped shot on the 12th. England’s Richard Mansell produced an superb final-round 63 to end up in a tie for fifth place with Australia’s Hillier.
