Aaron Rai Wins Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Dramatic Playoff Battle Versus Fellow Englishman Fleetwood
Aaron Rai demonstrated exceptional nerve to secure the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on the final day, defeating Tommy Fleetwood in a dramatic playoff 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 only previous tournament triumph at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was also a play-off win against Fleetwood.
Sunday's Play Excitement
Rai entered the final round with a single stroke lead over fellow Englishman Tommy Fleetwood and Denmark’s Nicolai Højgaard. He ended up with a overall score of 263 after a topsy-turvy, five-under closing round that featured seven birdies and two bogeys.
Fleetwood edged one shot ahead with two holes to play after a birdie putt on the 16th, but his rival pulled level again on the 17th and then failed to convert a 10-foot birdie putt to win outright on the last green.
Play-Off Climax
That led to a play-off at Yas Links where the eventual winner triumphed to claim the title and $1.5 million (£1.13m) in winnings.
{“Tommy is a world-class player and an even better person. To compete alongside him the last two days was really special,” said the winner, the present world No 30. “You’re so focused on playing the round and staying in the zone, it’s hard to describe at the present how it feels. It is incredible to be stood here.”
Notable Performances
Rory McIlroy left himself just too much to make up, coming up one shot behind in a tie for third with the Dane, after a spectacular 62 final round of ten-under. It was McIlroy’s lowest-ever score on the DP World Tour, comprising eight birdie putts and one eagle.
Højgaard carded six birdies of his own, but his hopes of leading the standings were dented by a dropped shot on the 12th. English golfer Mansell produced an excellent final-round 63 to finish in a tie for fifth place with Australian Daniel Hillier.