Aaron Rai Secures Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Thrilling Play-Off Battle Versus Tommy Fleetwood
Aaron Rai displayed exceptional composure to secure the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on the final day, beating his compatriot in a dramatic play-off after a topsy-turvy last day of play.
Rai sank a crucial birdie from just over eight feet to seal the win, repeating his sole prior tournament success at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was likewise a playoff victory against Fleetwood.
Sunday's Play Excitement
Rai entered the final round with a one-shot lead over countryman Tommy Fleetwood and Denmark’s Nicolai Højgaard. He finished with a overall score of 263 after a up-and-down, five-under final round that included seven birdie putts and a pair of bogeys.
The challenger moved one shot clear with the 16th and 17th to play after a birdie on the 16th, but his rival pulled level again on the seventeenth and then missed a 10-foot birdie putt to win outright on the last hole.
Play-Off Decider
This led to a play-off at the Yas Links course where Rai triumphed to claim the title and $1.5m (£1.13 million) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a world-class golfer and an even better individual. To compete alongside him the final two rounds was truly memorable,” said the winner, the current world No 30. “You’re so focused on your game and staying in the zone, it’s difficult to put into words at the present how it is. It is amazing to be stood here.”
Notable Contenders
The Northern Irish star left himself a bit too far to make up, coming up one shot short in a shared third place with the Dane, after a stunning 62 final round of ten-under. It was his best-ever score on the European Tour, including eight birdie putts and one eagle.
Højgaard fired six birdie putts of his as well, but his chances of leading the standings were hit by a dropped shot on the twelfth. English golfer Richard Mansell hit an superb last round 63 to end up in a tie for fifth place with Australia’s Daniel Hillier.
