Aaron Rai Wins Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Dramatic Playoff Showdown Versus Fellow Englishman Fleetwood
The 30-year-old golfer displayed remarkable nerve to secure the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on the final day, beating Tommy Fleetwood in a tense playoff after a rollercoaster final round of competition.
The Englishman sank a crucial birdie from around eight foot to clinch the victory, repeating his sole prior tournament triumph at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was likewise a play-off victory over the same opponent.
Final Round Excitement
The champion started the last day with a one-shot advantage over countryman Tommy Fleetwood and Danish golfer Nicolai Højgaard. He finished with a overall score of twenty-under after a topsy-turvy, 67 closing round that included seven birdies and two bogeys.
Fleetwood edged one shot ahead with the 16th and 17th to play after a birdie putt on the 16th, but his rival tied it up again on the seventeenth and then failed to convert a 10-foot birdie attempt to win outright on the last hole.
Playoff Decider
This led to a playoff at Yas Links where the eventual winner triumphed to claim the championship and $1.5m (£1.13m) in winnings.
{“Tommy is a world-class golfer and an even more individual. To play with him the last two days was truly memorable,” said Rai, the present world No 30. “You’re so concentrated on playing the round and maintaining focus, it’s hard to describe at the moment how it feels. It is incredible to be holding the trophy.”
Notable Performances
The Northern Irish star left himself just too much to make up, coming up one shot short in a tie for third with the Dane, after a spectacular 62 final round of 62. It was McIlroy’s lowest-ever score on the European Tour, including eight birdies and an eagle.
The Danish golfer carded six birdies of his as well, but his hopes of topping the standings were dented by a dropped shot on the 12th. English golfer Mansell produced an superb final-round 63 to finish tied for fifth with Australia’s Daniel Hillier.
