Aaron Rai Clinches Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Thrilling Play-Off Showdown Versus Tommy Fleetwood
Aaron Rai displayed remarkable composure to claim the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on Sunday, beating his compatriot in a tense play-off after a topsy-turvy last day of competition.
The Englishman nailed a decisive birdie putt from just over eight feet to seal the victory, repeating his only previous tournament triumph at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was likewise a play-off win against Fleetwood.
Sunday's Play Drama
The champion started the last day with a one-shot lead over fellow Englishman Fleetwood and Danish golfer Nicolai Højgaard. He finished with a total score of 263 after a up-and-down, 67 final round that featured seven birdies and two bogeys.
Fleetwood moved a stroke clear with the 16th and 17th remaining after a birdie on the 16th, but his rival pulled level again on the 17th and then missed a ten-foot birdie attempt to claim victory on the last hole.
Playoff Climax
That set up 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 player and an even better person. To play with him the final two rounds was really special,” stated Rai, the current 30th-ranked player globally. “You’re so concentrated on playing the round and maintaining focus, it’s difficult to put into words at the moment how it is. It is incredible to be holding the trophy.”
Other Performances
Rory McIlroy left himself just too much to do, coming up a stroke behind in a tie for third with the Dane, after a spectacular 62 closing round of 62. It was his lowest-ever round on the European Tour, including eight birdies and one eagle.
Højgaard carded six birdies of his as well, but his chances of leading the standings were dented by a dropped shot on the 12th. English golfer Mansell produced an excellent last round seven-under to finish in a tie for fifth place with Australian Daniel Hillier.
