Aaron Rai Wins the Abu Dhabi Title in Dramatic Playoff Showdown Against Fellow Englishman Fleetwood
Aaron Rai displayed exceptional nerve to claim the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on Sunday, defeating his compatriot in a dramatic play-off following a rollercoaster last day of play.
The Englishman nailed a crucial birdie from just over eight foot to seal the win, repeating his only previous Rolex Series triumph at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was also a playoff victory against Fleetwood.
Sunday's Play Drama
The champion started the last day with a one-shot advantage over countryman Tommy Fleetwood and Danish golfer Højgaard. He finished with a overall score of 263 after a topsy-turvy, five-under final round that featured seven birdies and two bogeys.
The challenger edged one shot ahead with the 16th and 17th remaining after a birdie 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 hole.
Play-Off Decider
That set up a play-off at the Yas Links course where the eventual winner prevailed to claim the championship and $1.5 million (ÂŁ1.13m) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a world-class golfer and an even more individual. To play with him the last two days was really special,” stated the winner, the present world No 30. “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 incredible to be holding the trophy.”
Notable Performances
The Northern Irish star found himself a bit too far to do, finishing a stroke short in a tie for third with the Dane, after a stunning 62 closing round of 62. It was McIlroy’s best-ever score on the DP World Tour, including eight birdies and an 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. England’s Richard Mansell hit an superb final-round 63 to end up tied for fifth with Australia’s Hillier.