Aaron Rai Wins Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Thrilling Playoff Showdown Against Tommy Fleetwood
Aaron Rai displayed exceptional composure to secure the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on Sunday, defeating his compatriot in a dramatic playoff following a rollercoaster last day of play.
Rai sank a decisive birdie putt from around eight foot to seal the win, repeating his only previous tournament triumph at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was likewise a play-off win against the same opponent.
Final Round Drama
Rai started the last day with a one-shot advantage over countryman Tommy Fleetwood and Denmark’s Højgaard. He ended up with a overall score of twenty-under after a topsy-turvy, 67 closing round that featured seven birdie putts and two bogeys.
The challenger edged a stroke 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.
Playoff Climax
That set up a playoff at Yas Links where Rai triumphed to claim the championship and $1.5m (£1.13m) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a world-class player and an even more person. To compete alongside him the last two days was really special,” said Rai, the present world No 30. “You’re so concentrated on playing the round and staying in the zone, it’s hard 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 do, finishing one shot short in a tie for third with the Dane, after a spectacular 62 final round of ten-under. It was McIlroy’s best-ever score on the DP World Tour, comprising eight birdies and an eagle.
Højgaard carded six birdie putts of his as well, but his chances of leading the standings were hit by a bogey on the 12th. English golfer Richard Mansell hit an excellent last round 63 to end up in a tie for fifth place with Australia’s Daniel Hillier.