Aaron Rai Wins Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Thrilling Play-Off Showdown Versus Fellow Englishman Fleetwood
Aaron Rai displayed remarkable nerve to secure the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on Sunday, beating Tommy Fleetwood in a tense play-off after a topsy-turvy final round of competition.
The Englishman nailed a decisive birdie from just over eight foot to clinch the win, repeating his only previous Rolex Series triumph at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was likewise a play-off win over the same opponent.
Sunday's Play Drama
Rai started the final round with a one-shot advantage over fellow Englishman Fleetwood and Denmark’s Nicolai Højgaard. He finished with a overall score of twenty-under after a topsy-turvy, 67 closing round that featured seven birdie putts and a pair of bogeys.
Fleetwood edged a stroke ahead with two holes to play after a birdie on the 16th, but his rival pulled level again on the seventeenth and then failed to convert a ten-foot birdie putt to claim victory on the last hole.
Play-Off Climax
This led to a play-off at Yas Links where Rai triumphed to take the title and $1.5 million (ÂŁ1.13m) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a world-class golfer and an even more individual. To play with him the last two days was truly memorable,” said the winner, the present world No 30. “You’re so focused on playing the round and maintaining focus, it’s hard to put into words at the moment how it is. It is amazing to be holding the trophy.”
Notable Contenders
The Northern Irish star found himself just too much to make up, finishing one shot behind in a shared third place with the Dane, after a stunning 10-under final round of ten-under. It was his best-ever round on the European Tour, including eight birdies and an eagle.
The Danish golfer carded six birdie putts of his own, but his hopes of topping the standings were dented by a dropped shot on the twelfth. English golfer Mansell produced an superb final-round 63 to end up tied for fifth with Australian Hillier.
