The English golfer Wins Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Thrilling Play-Off Showdown Versus Tommy Fleetwood
Aaron Rai displayed remarkable nerve to claim the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on the final day, defeating his compatriot in a tense playoff after a topsy-turvy last day of competition.
The Englishman sank a decisive birdie from around eight foot to seal the win, repeating his sole prior Rolex Series success at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was likewise a play-off win against Fleetwood.
Sunday's Play Drama
The champion started the last day with a one-shot advantage over countryman Fleetwood and Denmark’s Højgaard. He finished with a overall score of twenty-under after a topsy-turvy, five-under closing round that included seven birdies and a pair of bogeys.
The challenger edged a stroke ahead with two holes to play after a birdie putt on the sixteenth, but Rai tied it up again on the 17th and then failed to convert a 10-foot birdie attempt to claim victory on the last green.
Play-Off Decider
That led to a play-off at the Yas Links course where the eventual winner triumphed to take the title and $1.5 million (£1.13m) in winnings.
{“Tommy is a world-class player and an even better individual. To play with him the final two rounds was really special,” stated Rai, the present world No 30. “You’re so focused on playing the round and staying in the zone, it’s difficult to put into words at the present how it feels. It is incredible to be stood here.”
Notable Performances
The Northern Irish star found himself just too much to do, coming up a stroke behind in a tie for third with Højgaard, after a stunning 62 closing round of 62. It was his best-ever score on the European Tour, including eight birdies and an eagle.
Højgaard carded six birdies of his own, but his hopes of leading the leaderboard were hit by a bogey on the twelfth. English golfer Mansell hit an excellent last round seven-under to finish tied for fifth with Australian Daniel Hillier.
