Aaron Rai Secures Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Thrilling Playoff Showdown Versus Tommy Fleetwood
The 30-year-old golfer demonstrated remarkable nerve to claim the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on the final day, beating his compatriot in a dramatic play-off after a rollercoaster last day of play.
The Englishman sank a crucial birdie putt from around eight foot to seal the win, repeating his only previous tournament success at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was also a playoff victory over Fleetwood.
Final Round Drama
The champion entered the final round with a one-shot advantage over countryman Fleetwood and Danish golfer Nicolai Højgaard. He finished with a total score of 263 after a up-and-down, five-under final round that included seven birdie putts and a pair of bogeys.
The challenger edged a stroke clear with two holes to play after a birdie putt on the 16th, but his rival tied it up again on the 17th and then missed a 10-foot birdie attempt to claim victory on the final hole.
Playoff Decider
This led to a play-off at Yas Links where Rai triumphed to claim the title and $1.5 million (£1.13 million) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a world-class player and an even more individual. To compete alongside him the last two days was really special,” said Rai, the present 30th-ranked player globally. “You’re so concentrated on playing the round and staying in the zone, it’s difficult to describe at the moment how it feels. It is amazing to be stood here.”
Other Contenders
The Northern Irish star found himself just too much to make up, finishing one shot behind in a shared third place with Højgaard, after a spectacular 62 final round of 62. It was McIlroy’s lowest-ever score on the DP World Tour, including eight birdie putts and an eagle.
Højgaard fired six birdies of his own, but his chances of topping the standings were dented by a dropped shot on the 12th. England’s Richard Mansell produced an excellent final-round 63 to finish tied for fifth with Australian Hillier.
