Aaron Rai Wins Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Thrilling Playoff Showdown Against Tommy Fleetwood
Aaron Rai displayed remarkable nerve to claim the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on the final day, defeating Tommy Fleetwood in a tense play-off following a rollercoaster final round of competition.
The Englishman nailed a decisive birdie from just over eight foot to clinch the win, repeating his sole prior tournament success at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was also a playoff victory against the same opponent.
Sunday's Play Drama
Rai entered the final round with a single stroke lead over fellow Englishman Tommy Fleetwood and Danish golfer Højgaard. He finished with a overall score of twenty-under after a up-and-down, 67 closing round that included seven birdie putts and two bogeys.
The challenger moved a stroke clear with the 16th and 17th to play after a birdie on the 16th, but Rai tied it up again on the 17th and then failed to convert a 10-foot birdie attempt to win outright on the final hole.
Playoff Decider
That led to a play-off at Yas Links where Rai triumphed to claim the championship and $1.5m (ÂŁ1.13 million) in winnings.
{“Tommy is a world-class golfer and an even better individual. To compete alongside him the final two rounds was truly memorable,” stated Rai, the present 30th-ranked player globally. “You’re so concentrated on playing the round and staying in the zone, it’s difficult to describe at the present how it feels. It is incredible to be holding the trophy.”
Notable Contenders
The Northern Irish star left himself just too much to make up, coming up a stroke behind in a tie for third with Højgaard, after a stunning 10-under final round of 62. It was his best-ever round on the European 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. English golfer Mansell hit an excellent last round seven-under to end up tied for fifth with Australian Hillier.
