Aaron Rai Wins Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Dramatic Playoff Battle Versus Fellow Englishman Fleetwood
Aaron Rai demonstrated exceptional composure to secure the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on the final day, beating his compatriot in a tense playoff after a topsy-turvy last day of competition.
Rai sank a decisive birdie putt from just over eight feet to seal the win, echoing his only previous Rolex Series triumph at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was also a playoff victory against Fleetwood.
Final Round Excitement
Rai entered the final round with a single stroke lead over fellow Englishman Fleetwood and Denmark’s Nicolai Højgaard. He finished with a overall score of 263 after a up-and-down, five-under final round that featured seven birdies and a pair of bogeys.
The challenger edged one shot clear with two holes to play after a birdie on the sixteenth, but his rival tied it up again on the 17th and then failed to convert a ten-foot birdie attempt to win outright on the final green.
Play-Off Climax
This set up a play-off at Yas Links where Rai prevailed to claim the title and $1.5m (£1.13 million) in winnings.
{“Tommy is a world-class player and an even better individual. To compete alongside him the final two rounds was truly memorable,” said Rai, the present 30th-ranked player globally. “You’re so focused on your game and maintaining focus, it’s difficult to put into words at the present how it is. It is amazing to be stood here.”
Notable Performances
Rory McIlroy left himself a bit too far to make up, finishing one shot short in a shared third place with the Dane, after a spectacular 62 closing round of ten-under. It was his lowest-ever round on the European Tour, including eight birdie putts and an eagle.
The Danish golfer carded six birdie putts of his own, but his hopes of topping the standings were dented by a bogey on the 12th. England’s Mansell hit an excellent final-round 63 to finish tied for fifth with Australia’s Hillier.
