Aaron Rai Clinches Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Thrilling Playoff Showdown Versus Tommy Fleetwood
The 30-year-old golfer displayed remarkable nerve to claim the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on the final day, beating his compatriot in a tense playoff after a rollercoaster last day of play.
The Englishman sank a decisive birdie putt from around eight foot to clinch the win, echoing his sole prior tournament success at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was likewise a playoff win against the same opponent.
Sunday's Play Drama
The champion entered the final round with a one-shot advantage over countryman Fleetwood and Danish golfer Nicolai Højgaard. He finished with a overall score of 263 after a topsy-turvy, five-under closing round that included seven birdie putts and a pair of bogeys.
The challenger moved one shot ahead with the 16th and 17th remaining after a birdie on the 16th, but his rival pulled level again on the seventeenth and then failed to convert a ten-foot birdie putt to win outright on the final hole.
Playoff Climax
That led to a playoff at Yas Links where Rai prevailed to claim the title and $1.5 million (£1.13 million) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a world-class golfer and an even more individual. To compete alongside him the final two rounds was truly memorable,” stated Rai, the present 30th-ranked player globally. “You’re so focused on playing the round and maintaining focus, it’s hard to put into words at the present how it feels. It is amazing to be stood here.”
Notable Contenders
Rory McIlroy left himself a bit too far to do, coming up one shot behind in a tie for third with Højgaard, after a stunning 62 final round of ten-under. It was McIlroy’s lowest-ever score on the European Tour, including eight birdies and an eagle.
Højgaard carded six birdie putts of his as well, but his hopes of topping the leaderboard were dented by a dropped shot on the 12th. England’s Mansell hit an superb final-round seven-under to finish tied for fifth with Australian Daniel Hillier.
