Aaron Rai Clinches Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Dramatic Playoff Battle Against Fellow Englishman Fleetwood
Aaron Rai demonstrated exceptional composure to claim the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on the final day, beating his compatriot in a dramatic playoff following a topsy-turvy last day of play.
Rai sank a crucial birdie from just over eight feet to seal the win, repeating his only previous tournament success at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was likewise a playoff victory over the same opponent.
Sunday's Play Excitement
The champion started the last day with a one-shot lead over fellow Englishman Fleetwood and Denmark’s Nicolai Højgaard. He ended up with a overall score of twenty-under after a up-and-down, 67 final round that included seven birdies and two bogeys.
The challenger edged a stroke clear with two holes remaining after a birdie on the sixteenth, but Rai tied it up again on the 17th and then missed a 10-foot birdie putt to win outright on the last green.
Playoff Decider
That led to a playoff at Yas Links where Rai prevailed to take the championship and $1.5m (£1.13 million) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a phenomenal player and an even more individual. To compete alongside him the last two days was really special,” said the winner, the current 30th-ranked player globally. “You’re so concentrated on playing the round and maintaining focus, it’s difficult to describe at the moment how it is. It is amazing to be holding the trophy.”
Notable Contenders
The Northern Irish star left himself a bit too far to do, coming up a stroke short in a tie for third with the Dane, after a spectacular 62 closing round of 62. It was McIlroy’s lowest-ever score on the European Tour, including eight birdie putts and one eagle.
The Danish golfer carded six birdie putts of his own, but his chances of leading the standings were hit by a bogey on the 12th. English golfer Richard Mansell produced an excellent last round 63 to end up tied for fifth with Australia’s Daniel Hillier.
