Aaron Rai Clinches Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Dramatic Play-Off Battle Against Tommy Fleetwood
Aaron Rai demonstrated exceptional composure to secure the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on the final day, defeating Tommy Fleetwood in a dramatic playoff after a topsy-turvy final round of competition.
Rai sank a decisive birdie putt from around eight foot to clinch the victory, repeating his only previous Rolex Series success at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was likewise a playoff victory against the same opponent.
Final Round Drama
Rai entered the last day with a single stroke advantage over fellow Englishman Fleetwood and Denmark’s Højgaard. He finished with a overall score of 263 after a topsy-turvy, five-under final round that featured seven birdies and two bogeys.
Fleetwood edged one shot ahead with the 16th and 17th remaining after a birdie on the 16th, but Rai pulled level again on the 17th and then missed a 10-foot birdie putt to win outright on the last hole.
Play-Off Climax
That led to a playoff at the Yas Links course where Rai triumphed to claim the title and $1.5m (£1.13 million) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a phenomenal golfer and an even better individual. To play with him the last two days was really special,” stated Rai, the present 30th-ranked player globally. “You’re so concentrated on playing the round and staying in the zone, it’s difficult to put into words at the present how it feels. It is amazing to be holding the trophy.”
Notable Contenders
The Northern Irish star found himself a bit too far to do, finishing one shot short in a tie for third with Højgaard, after a stunning 10-under final round of 62. It was his best-ever round on the DP World Tour, including eight birdie putts and an eagle.
The Danish golfer fired six birdies of his as well, but his chances of topping the standings were dented by a dropped shot on the twelfth. English golfer Mansell produced an excellent final-round seven-under to end up in a tie for fifth place with Australia’s Hillier.
