The English golfer Clinches Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Dramatic Play-Off Showdown Versus Tommy Fleetwood
Aaron Rai displayed remarkable composure to claim the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on the final day, beating his compatriot in a dramatic playoff after a topsy-turvy last day of play.
The Englishman nailed a decisive birdie from around eight feet to seal the win, repeating his sole prior Rolex Series triumph at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was also a playoff win over the same opponent.
Final Round Excitement
The champion started the final round with a one-shot lead over fellow Englishman Tommy Fleetwood and Danish golfer Nicolai Højgaard. He ended up with a total score of twenty-under after a up-and-down, five-under final round that included seven birdies and two bogeys.
The challenger moved a stroke ahead with the 16th and 17th to play after a birdie on the 16th, but his rival pulled level again on the seventeenth and then missed a ten-foot birdie putt to win outright on the last hole.
Play-Off Decider
That led to a playoff at the Yas Links course where the eventual winner prevailed to take the title and $1.5 million (£1.13 million) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a phenomenal player and an even better individual. To play with him the last two days was truly memorable,” stated Rai, the present world No 30. “You’re so concentrated on your game and staying in the zone, it’s difficult to put into words at the moment how it is. It is incredible to be stood here.”
Other Performances
The Northern Irish star found himself just too much to make up, finishing one shot short in a tie for third with Højgaard, after a spectacular 62 final round of ten-under. It was McIlroy’s best-ever score on the European Tour, comprising eight birdies and an eagle.
The Danish golfer fired six birdie putts of his as well, but his hopes of leading the standings were hit by a dropped shot on the twelfth. England’s Mansell hit an superb last round 63 to end up in a tie for fifth place with Australian Hillier.
