The English golfer Clinches Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Dramatic Play-Off Battle Versus Fellow Englishman Fleetwood
Aaron Rai displayed remarkable composure to claim the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on Sunday, beating his compatriot in a tense play-off following a rollercoaster last day of play.
Rai nailed a crucial birdie putt from around eight feet to seal the victory, repeating his only previous tournament success at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was likewise a play-off victory against Fleetwood.
Final Round Drama
Rai started the last day with a one-shot lead over fellow Englishman Fleetwood and Denmark’s Nicolai Højgaard. He finished with a overall score of twenty-under after a up-and-down, 67 closing round that featured seven birdie putts and a pair of bogeys.
Fleetwood edged a stroke clear with two holes to play after a birdie on the sixteenth, but his rival tied it up again on the 17th and then failed to convert a 10-foot birdie attempt to claim victory on the final hole.
Playoff Decider
This led to a play-off at the Yas Links course where Rai prevailed to take the title and $1.5m (ÂŁ1.13 million) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a world-class golfer and an even better person. To compete alongside him the last two days was really special,” said the winner, the present world No 30. “You’re so focused on playing the round and maintaining focus, it’s difficult to put into words at the moment how it feels. It is incredible to be stood here.”
Notable Contenders
The Northern Irish star found himself just too much to make up, coming up one shot short in a tie for third with Højgaard, after a stunning 62 final round of ten-under. It was his lowest-ever score on the DP World Tour, comprising eight birdies and one eagle.
Højgaard fired six birdie putts of his as well, but his hopes of topping the leaderboard were hit by a dropped shot on the twelfth. English golfer Richard Mansell hit an excellent final-round seven-under to end up in a tie for fifth place with Australian Hillier.
