The English golfer Wins Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Thrilling Playoff Battle Against Tommy Fleetwood
Aaron Rai demonstrated exceptional composure to claim the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on the final day, beating his compatriot in a tense play-off after a topsy-turvy final round of play.
Rai nailed a crucial birdie putt from just over eight foot to clinch the win, echoing his only previous Rolex Series success at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was also a play-off victory against the same opponent.
Sunday's Play Excitement
Rai entered the last day with a single stroke lead over fellow Englishman Tommy Fleetwood and Danish golfer Højgaard. He finished with a total score of twenty-under after a up-and-down, five-under closing round that featured seven birdies and a pair of bogeys.
The challenger moved one shot clear with two holes to play after a birdie putt on the 16th, but Rai pulled level again on the 17th and then missed a 10-foot birdie attempt to win outright on the last hole.
Playoff Decider
That set up a playoff at Yas Links where Rai triumphed to take the title and $1.5 million (ÂŁ1.13 million) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a phenomenal golfer and an even better individual. To play with him the final two rounds was truly memorable,” said the winner, the current world No 30. “You’re so focused on playing the round and staying in the zone, it’s difficult to describe at the moment how it is. It is amazing to be holding the trophy.”
Other Contenders
The Northern Irish star left himself a bit too far to make up, coming up one shot short in a shared third place with Højgaard, after a spectacular 10-under final round of 62. It was his lowest-ever score on the DP World Tour, including eight birdie putts and an eagle.
Højgaard fired six birdie putts of his as well, but his hopes of leading the standings were hit by a dropped shot on the 12th. England’s Richard Mansell produced an superb last round seven-under to end up tied for fifth with Australian Daniel Hillier.
