The English golfer Secures Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Thrilling Playoff Battle Against Tommy Fleetwood
Aaron Rai displayed exceptional nerve to secure the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on Sunday, defeating his compatriot in a dramatic play-off following a rollercoaster final round of play.
Rai sank a crucial birdie from just over eight foot to seal the win, echoing his sole prior tournament success at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was also a playoff victory over the same opponent.
Final Round Drama
The champion started the last day with a one-shot advantage over fellow Englishman Tommy Fleetwood and Danish golfer Nicolai Højgaard. He finished with a total score of twenty-under after a up-and-down, 67 closing round that included seven birdies and a pair of bogeys.
Fleetwood edged a stroke ahead with two holes to play after a birdie on the sixteenth, but Rai tied it up again on the seventeenth and then failed to convert a 10-foot birdie putt to claim victory on the last green.
Playoff Climax
That led to a playoff at the Yas Links course where the eventual winner prevailed to take the championship and $1.5m (£1.13 million) in winnings.
{“Tommy is a phenomenal player and an even better individual. To compete alongside him the final two rounds was truly memorable,” stated the winner, the current world No 30. “You’re so focused on your game and maintaining focus, it’s hard to put into words at the present how it feels. It is incredible to be stood here.”
Notable Contenders
The Northern Irish star found himself just too much to do, finishing one shot short in a tie for third with Højgaard, after a spectacular 10-under final round of ten-under. It was McIlroy’s lowest-ever score on the European Tour, comprising eight birdies and one eagle.
The Danish golfer carded six birdie putts of his as well, but his hopes of leading the leaderboard were hit by a bogey on the 12th. England’s Richard Mansell hit an excellent last round seven-under to finish in a tie for fifth place with Australian Hillier.
