The English golfer Wins the Abu Dhabi Title in Thrilling Play-Off Battle Against Fellow Englishman Fleetwood
Aaron Rai demonstrated remarkable composure to secure the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on the final day, defeating his compatriot in a dramatic play-off after a topsy-turvy final round of play.
The Englishman sank a decisive birdie from around eight foot to seal the win, repeating his sole prior Rolex Series success at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was also a playoff win against Fleetwood.
Sunday's Play Drama
Rai started the final round with a single stroke lead over countryman Tommy Fleetwood and Danish golfer Højgaard. He ended up with a overall score of twenty-under after a topsy-turvy, 67 closing round that featured seven birdie putts and two bogeys.
The challenger edged a stroke clear with the 16th and 17th remaining after a birdie putt on the 16th, but his rival tied it up again on the seventeenth and then failed to convert a ten-foot birdie putt to claim victory on the final hole.
Playoff Climax
This set up a playoff at the Yas Links course where Rai prevailed to claim the championship and $1.5 million (£1.13 million) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a phenomenal golfer and an even more individual. 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 hard to put into words at the moment how it feels. It is amazing to be holding the trophy.”
Other Performances
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 62 closing round of ten-under. It was his best-ever round on the European Tour, comprising eight birdie putts and an eagle.
Højgaard carded six birdie putts of his own, but his hopes of leading the standings were dented by a bogey on the twelfth. England’s Mansell hit an excellent final-round seven-under to finish tied for fifth with Australian Hillier.
