Aaron Rai Wins Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Dramatic Play-Off Battle Versus Fellow Englishman Fleetwood
The 30-year-old golfer demonstrated exceptional nerve to secure the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on the final day, beating his compatriot in a tense play-off after a rollercoaster last day of play.
The Englishman sank a crucial birdie putt from just over eight feet to clinch the victory, echoing his sole prior tournament success at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was also a playoff win against the same opponent.
Final Round Excitement
The champion started the final round with a one-shot lead over countryman Fleetwood and Danish golfer Højgaard. He finished with a total score of twenty-under after a topsy-turvy, 67 closing round that featured seven birdies and a pair of bogeys.
Fleetwood moved one shot ahead with the 16th and 17th to play after a birdie on the 16th, but Rai pulled level again on the 17th and then missed a ten-foot birdie attempt to win outright on the final green.
Playoff Decider
This led to a play-off at the Yas Links course where the eventual winner triumphed 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 last two days was truly memorable,” said Rai, the present 30th-ranked player globally. “You’re so concentrated on your game and maintaining focus, it’s hard to put into words at the moment how it is. It is incredible to be holding the trophy.”
Other Performances
The Northern Irish star left himself just too much to do, finishing a stroke short in a tie for third with Højgaard, after a stunning 62 final round of ten-under. It was McIlroy’s best-ever score on the European Tour, including eight birdies and an eagle.
The Danish golfer fired six birdies of his own, but his chances of leading the standings were dented by a dropped shot on the twelfth. English golfer Richard Mansell hit an superb last round 63 to finish tied for fifth with Australian Daniel Hillier.
