Aaron Rai Wins Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Dramatic Playoff Showdown Versus Fellow Englishman Fleetwood
Aaron Rai displayed remarkable composure to secure the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on the final day, defeating his compatriot in a dramatic play-off after a topsy-turvy last day of competition.
Rai nailed a crucial birdie from around eight foot to seal the victory, repeating his sole prior Rolex Series triumph at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was likewise a play-off win over the same opponent.
Final Round Drama
Rai entered the final round with a single stroke advantage over countryman Fleetwood and Danish golfer Nicolai Højgaard. He finished with a overall score of twenty-under after a up-and-down, 67 closing round that featured seven birdie putts and a pair of bogeys.
Fleetwood moved one shot ahead with two holes to play after a birdie putt on the 16th, but Rai tied it up again on the 17th and then missed a ten-foot birdie putt to win outright on the last green.
Play-Off Climax
This led to a playoff at Yas Links where the eventual winner triumphed to claim the title and $1.5 million (£1.13 million) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a world-class golfer and an even more person. To compete alongside him the final two rounds was really special,” said Rai, the present 30th-ranked player globally. “You’re so focused on your game and staying in the zone, it’s difficult to describe at the present how it feels. It is incredible to be stood here.”
Notable Performances
The Northern Irish star left himself just too much to make up, finishing a stroke short in a shared third place with the Dane, after a spectacular 62 final round of 62. It was McIlroy’s lowest-ever score on the DP World Tour, including eight birdies and an eagle.
The Danish golfer carded six birdies of his own, but his chances of leading the leaderboard were hit by a bogey on the 12th. England’s Mansell produced an excellent last round seven-under to end up tied for fifth with Australian Daniel Hillier.
