Aaron Rai Clinches Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Dramatic Play-Off Showdown Versus Fellow Englishman Fleetwood
Aaron Rai displayed exceptional composure to secure the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on the final day, defeating his compatriot in a tense playoff following a rollercoaster final round of competition.
The Englishman sank a decisive birdie from around eight feet to seal the win, repeating his only previous tournament success at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was also a playoff win over Fleetwood.
Sunday's Play Drama
The champion started the final round with a one-shot lead over countryman Tommy Fleetwood and Denmark’s Nicolai Højgaard. He finished with a overall score of twenty-under after a topsy-turvy, 67 closing round that included seven birdies and a pair of bogeys.
The challenger edged a stroke ahead with the 16th and 17th remaining after a birdie on the 16th, but his rival pulled level again on the 17th and then failed to convert a ten-foot birdie putt to win outright on the final hole.
Playoff Decider
That led to a playoff at the Yas Links course where Rai prevailed to take the championship and $1.5 million (£1.13 million) in winnings.
{“Tommy is a phenomenal player and an even better individual. To play with him the last two days was truly memorable,” stated the winner, the present 30th-ranked player globally. “You’re so focused on your game and staying in the zone, it’s difficult to put into words at the moment how it feels. It is incredible to be holding the trophy.”
Notable Contenders
The Northern Irish star found himself just too much to make up, finishing one shot short in a tie for third with the Dane, after a stunning 62 final round of 62. It was McIlroy’s best-ever round on the European Tour, including eight birdies and an eagle.
The Danish golfer fired six birdie putts of his as well, but his hopes of leading the leaderboard were hit by a bogey on the 12th. English golfer Mansell produced an superb final-round 63 to finish tied for fifth with Australia’s Daniel Hillier.