Aaron Rai Wins Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Dramatic Playoff Battle Against Tommy Fleetwood
Aaron Rai displayed exceptional composure to claim the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on the final day, beating his compatriot in a dramatic play-off following a topsy-turvy final round of competition.
Rai nailed a crucial birdie from around eight feet to clinch the victory, repeating his sole prior Rolex Series triumph at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was likewise a playoff victory over the same opponent.
Final Round Drama
The champion started the final round with a one-shot advantage over fellow Englishman Fleetwood and Danish golfer Højgaard. He finished with a overall score of twenty-under after a up-and-down, 67 final round that featured seven birdies and two bogeys.
The challenger moved one shot ahead with the 16th and 17th remaining after a birdie putt on the 16th, but Rai pulled level again on the seventeenth and then missed a ten-foot birdie attempt to win outright on the last green.
Playoff Decider
That led to a playoff at Yas Links where Rai triumphed to claim the title and $1.5m (£1.13m) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a world-class player and an even better person. To compete alongside him the last two days was truly memorable,” said the winner, the present 30th-ranked player globally. “You’re so focused on playing the round and staying in the zone, it’s hard to describe at the moment how it is. It is amazing to be holding the trophy.”
Other Performances
Rory McIlroy found himself just too much to make up, finishing a stroke behind in a shared third place with the Dane, after a stunning 62 final round of ten-under. It was his best-ever round on the European Tour, including eight birdie putts and one eagle.
Højgaard carded six birdie putts of his as well, but his chances of topping the standings were hit by a dropped shot on the twelfth. English golfer Richard Mansell hit an excellent final-round 63 to finish in a tie for fifth place with Australian Daniel Hillier.
