Aaron Rai Wins Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Thrilling Playoff Battle Versus Fellow Englishman Fleetwood
The 30-year-old golfer demonstrated remarkable composure to secure the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on Sunday, defeating his compatriot in a tense playoff after a topsy-turvy final round of play.
The Englishman sank a crucial birdie putt from just over eight feet to seal the win, repeating his only previous tournament success at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was also a playoff victory over Fleetwood.
Final Round Drama
The champion started the final round with a one-shot advantage over countryman Tommy Fleetwood and Danish golfer Nicolai Højgaard. He ended up with a overall score of 263 after a topsy-turvy, 67 final round that featured seven birdies and two bogeys.
Fleetwood edged a stroke ahead with two holes remaining after a birdie on the 16th, but Rai tied it up again on the 17th and then missed a ten-foot birdie putt to win outright on the final hole.
Playoff Decider
That set up a playoff at the Yas Links course where Rai triumphed to take the title and $1.5 million (£1.13 million) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a world-class player and an even more individual. To play with him the last two days was truly memorable,” stated the winner, the present 30th-ranked player globally. “You’re so concentrated on your game and maintaining focus, it’s hard to describe at the moment how it is. 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 short in a tie for third with the Dane, after a stunning 10-under closing round of ten-under. It was his lowest-ever round on the DP World Tour, including eight birdies and one eagle.
Højgaard fired six birdies of his as well, but his hopes of leading the leaderboard were dented by a bogey on the 12th. English golfer Mansell hit an superb last round 63 to finish tied for fifth with Australia’s Hillier.
