The English golfer Clinches Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Thrilling Playoff Battle Versus Tommy Fleetwood
Aaron Rai demonstrated exceptional nerve to secure the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on Sunday, defeating Tommy Fleetwood in a tense playoff after a topsy-turvy final round of play.
Rai nailed a crucial birdie from just over eight foot to clinch the victory, repeating his sole prior tournament success at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was likewise a play-off win against Fleetwood.
Final Round Excitement
The champion started the final round with a single stroke lead over fellow Englishman Fleetwood and Danish golfer Nicolai Højgaard. He finished with a total score of 263 after a topsy-turvy, 67 final round that included seven birdie putts and two bogeys.
Fleetwood edged a stroke clear with the 16th and 17th remaining after a birdie on the sixteenth, but Rai tied it up again on the 17th and then failed to convert a ten-foot birdie attempt to win outright on the last green.
Play-Off Decider
This led to a play-off at the Yas Links course where Rai prevailed to claim the championship and $1.5m (£1.13m) in winnings.
{“Tommy is a world-class player and an even more person. To compete alongside him the final two rounds was truly memorable,” said the winner, the present world No 30. “You’re so concentrated on playing the round and maintaining focus, it’s difficult to put into words at the moment how it is. It is incredible to be holding the trophy.”
Other Contenders
The Northern Irish star left himself just too much to do, finishing one shot behind in a shared third place with the Dane, after a stunning 10-under final round of 62. It was his lowest-ever round on the DP World Tour, comprising eight birdies and an eagle.
The Danish golfer carded six birdies of his as well, but his hopes of leading the leaderboard were hit by a bogey on the twelfth. England’s Richard Mansell hit an superb final-round 63 to finish tied for fifth with Australia’s Hillier.
