Aaron Rai Secures Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Thrilling Playoff Showdown Versus Tommy Fleetwood
Aaron Rai demonstrated exceptional composure to secure the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on the final day, beating Tommy Fleetwood in a tense play-off after a topsy-turvy last day of competition.
The Englishman sank a decisive birdie from just over eight foot to clinch the win, echoing his sole prior tournament success at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was likewise a play-off victory over Fleetwood.
Sunday's Play Excitement
The champion started the final round with a one-shot lead over fellow Englishman Fleetwood and Denmark’s Nicolai Højgaard. He ended up with a total score of twenty-under after a up-and-down, five-under closing round that featured seven birdie putts and a pair of bogeys.
The challenger moved one shot clear with two holes to play after a birdie on the sixteenth, but Rai pulled level again on the seventeenth and then failed to convert a 10-foot birdie attempt to claim victory on the final green.
Playoff Climax
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 winnings.
{“Tommy is a world-class golfer and an even more person. To play with him the last two days was truly memorable,” said the winner, the present 30th-ranked player globally. “You’re so focused on your game and maintaining focus, it’s difficult to describe at the moment how it is. It is amazing to be stood here.”
Other Performances
The Northern Irish star left himself a bit too far to do, finishing one shot behind in a tie for third with Højgaard, after a spectacular 62 final round of ten-under. It was McIlroy’s lowest-ever score on the European Tour, including eight birdies and one eagle.
The Danish golfer fired six birdies of his as well, but his chances of topping the standings were hit by a bogey on the 12th. English golfer Mansell produced an superb last round 63 to finish in a tie for fifth place with Australian Hillier.
