Aaron Rai Wins the Abu Dhabi Title in Dramatic Playoff Battle Versus Tommy Fleetwood
The 30-year-old golfer demonstrated exceptional nerve to claim the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on Sunday, defeating Tommy Fleetwood in a tense playoff after a rollercoaster last day of play.
Rai sank a crucial birdie putt from just over eight foot to seal the win, repeating his sole prior tournament triumph at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was likewise a play-off win against Fleetwood.
Final Round Drama
Rai entered the final round with a single stroke lead over countryman Tommy Fleetwood and Danish golfer Højgaard. He ended up with a overall score of 263 after a topsy-turvy, five-under closing round that included seven birdie putts and two bogeys.
The challenger edged a stroke ahead with the 16th and 17th to play after a birdie on the 16th, but Rai tied it up again on the 17th and then missed a ten-foot birdie attempt to claim victory on the last hole.
Playoff Climax
This led to a playoff at Yas Links where the eventual winner triumphed to take the title and $1.5m (£1.13m) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a phenomenal golfer and an even more individual. To play with him the last two days was truly memorable,” said the winner, the current 30th-ranked player globally. “You’re so concentrated on your game and maintaining focus, it’s hard to put into words at the moment how it feels. It is incredible to be stood here.”
Other Contenders
The Northern Irish star found himself a bit too far to make up, finishing one shot short in a tie for third with the Dane, after a stunning 62 final round of 62. It was his best-ever score on the European Tour, comprising eight birdie putts and an eagle.
The Danish golfer fired six birdie putts of his as well, but his hopes of topping the leaderboard were hit by a dropped shot on the twelfth. England’s Mansell hit an superb final-round seven-under to finish in a tie for fifth place with Australia’s Hillier.
