Aaron Rai Clinches Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Dramatic Play-Off Battle Against Tommy Fleetwood
The 30-year-old golfer displayed exceptional nerve to claim the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on the final day, beating Tommy Fleetwood in a tense play-off following a rollercoaster last day of competition.
Rai sank a decisive birdie from around eight foot to seal the victory, echoing his sole prior Rolex Series success at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was also a playoff victory over the same opponent.
Final Round Excitement
The champion started the final round with a one-shot advantage over countryman Fleetwood and Danish golfer Højgaard. He finished with a total score of 263 after a topsy-turvy, 67 final round that featured seven birdie putts and a pair of bogeys.
The challenger moved one shot clear with two holes to play after a birdie on the sixteenth, but Rai tied it up again on the 17th and then failed to convert a 10-foot birdie attempt to win outright on the last hole.
Play-Off Climax
That led to a play-off at Yas Links where Rai prevailed to take the championship and $1.5m (ÂŁ1.13m) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a world-class player and an even more person. To compete alongside him the final two rounds was truly memorable,” said the winner, the current 30th-ranked player globally. “You’re so focused on your game and maintaining focus, it’s hard to describe at the present how it is. It is amazing to be holding the trophy.”
Notable Performances
The Northern Irish star found himself just too much to do, finishing one shot short in a shared third place with the Dane, after a spectacular 10-under final round of 62. It was McIlroy’s lowest-ever score on the European Tour, comprising eight birdies and one eagle.
Højgaard carded six birdie putts of his own, but his chances of topping the standings were hit by a bogey on the twelfth. England’s Richard Mansell hit an excellent final-round 63 to end up in a tie for fifth place with Australia’s Daniel Hillier.