Aaron Rai Wins Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Dramatic Playoff Showdown Against Fellow Englishman Fleetwood
Aaron Rai displayed exceptional nerve to claim the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on the final day, beating his compatriot in a dramatic playoff after a rollercoaster final round of competition.
Rai nailed a crucial birdie from around eight feet to seal the win, echoing his only previous tournament success at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was likewise a play-off victory against the same opponent.
Final Round Excitement
The champion entered the last day with a one-shot advantage over fellow Englishman Tommy Fleetwood and Denmark’s Nicolai Højgaard. He finished with a overall score of 263 after a topsy-turvy, 67 final round that featured seven birdie putts and two bogeys.
Fleetwood moved one shot ahead with the 16th and 17th to play after a birdie putt on the 16th, but Rai pulled level again on the 17th and then failed to convert a ten-foot birdie attempt to claim victory on the final hole.
Play-Off Decider
That led to a play-off at the Yas Links course where the eventual winner prevailed to claim the title and $1.5m (£1.13m) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a world-class golfer and an even more person. To compete alongside him the final two rounds was truly memorable,” stated the winner, the present world No 30. “You’re so concentrated on playing the round and maintaining focus, it’s difficult to describe at the present how it feels. It is amazing to be holding the trophy.”
Other Contenders
The Northern Irish star left himself just too much to do, coming up one shot behind in a tie for third with the Dane, after a stunning 62 final round of 62. It was his lowest-ever round on the European Tour, comprising eight birdie putts and one eagle.
Højgaard carded six birdie putts of his as well, but his hopes of leading the standings were dented by a bogey on the 12th. English golfer Mansell hit an excellent last round 63 to end up tied for fifth with Australia’s Daniel Hillier.
