Aaron Rai Secures Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Dramatic Playoff Battle Against Fellow Englishman Fleetwood
The 30-year-old golfer demonstrated remarkable composure to secure the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on Sunday, defeating Tommy Fleetwood in a dramatic play-off after a rollercoaster last day of competition.
Rai sank a crucial birdie from just over eight foot to clinch the victory, repeating his only previous Rolex Series triumph at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was likewise a playoff win over Fleetwood.
Sunday's Play Drama
Rai started the last day with a one-shot advantage over countryman Tommy Fleetwood and Denmark’s Højgaard. He ended up with a total score of twenty-under after a topsy-turvy, 67 closing round that featured seven birdie putts and a pair of bogeys.
Fleetwood edged one shot ahead with two holes to play after a birdie on the 16th, but his rival tied it up again on the 17th and then missed a ten-foot birdie attempt to win outright on the last green.
Play-Off Climax
That led to a playoff at Yas Links where the eventual winner triumphed to take the championship and $1.5m (£1.13m) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a phenomenal player and an even better individual. To play with him the last two days was really special,” stated the winner, the present world No 30. “You’re so focused on playing the round and maintaining focus, it’s difficult to put into words at the present how it is. It is amazing to be stood here.”
Other Contenders
The Northern Irish star found himself a bit too far to do, finishing a stroke behind in a tie for third with the Dane, after a spectacular 62 closing round of 62. It was his best-ever round on the European Tour, comprising eight birdie putts and an eagle.
The Danish golfer fired six birdie putts of his as well, but his chances of leading the standings were dented by a dropped shot on the 12th. English golfer Richard Mansell produced an superb last round seven-under to end up in a tie for fifth place with Australia’s Hillier.
