Aaron Rai Secures the Abu Dhabi Title in Dramatic Playoff Battle Versus Tommy Fleetwood
The 30-year-old golfer demonstrated remarkable composure to secure the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on the final day, defeating Tommy Fleetwood in a tense playoff after a rollercoaster final round of play.
The Englishman sank a crucial birdie putt from around eight foot to seal the victory, echoing his only previous Rolex Series success at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was likewise a play-off victory against Fleetwood.
Final Round Drama
The champion entered the final round with a one-shot advantage over fellow Englishman Tommy Fleetwood and Danish golfer Højgaard. He finished with a overall score of 263 after a up-and-down, 67 final round that featured seven birdie putts and a pair of bogeys.
Fleetwood moved one shot ahead with the 16th and 17th to play after a birdie putt on the sixteenth, but his rival tied it up again on the seventeenth and then failed to convert a 10-foot birdie attempt to claim victory on the final hole.
Playoff Decider
This set up a play-off at the Yas Links course where the eventual winner prevailed to take the championship and $1.5m (£1.13m) in winnings.
{“Tommy is a world-class player and an even more person. To play with him the final two rounds was really special,” said the winner, the current world No 30. “You’re so focused on playing the round and maintaining focus, it’s difficult to describe at the moment how it is. It is amazing to be stood here.”
Notable Contenders
Rory McIlroy left himself a bit too far to do, finishing one shot short in a shared third place with Højgaard, after a stunning 10-under final round of 62. It was McIlroy’s best-ever round on the DP World Tour, comprising eight birdie putts and an eagle.
The Danish golfer carded six birdie putts of his as well, but his chances of topping the standings were hit by a bogey on the twelfth. England’s Richard Mansell hit an superb last round 63 to end up tied for fifth with Australian Hillier.
