Aaron Rai Clinches Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Dramatic Play-Off Showdown Against Tommy Fleetwood
Aaron Rai demonstrated exceptional nerve to secure the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on Sunday, defeating his compatriot in a tense play-off after a rollercoaster final round of competition.
The Englishman nailed a crucial birdie from just over eight foot to seal the win, repeating his sole prior tournament success at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was likewise a playoff victory over the same opponent.
Sunday's Play Excitement
The champion started the last day with a one-shot advantage over countryman Fleetwood and Danish golfer Nicolai Højgaard. He ended up with a total score of 263 after a up-and-down, five-under closing round that included seven birdies and a pair of bogeys.
Fleetwood moved one shot ahead with two holes remaining after a birdie putt on the sixteenth, but his rival pulled level again on the seventeenth and then missed a 10-foot birdie attempt to claim victory on the last green.
Playoff Decider
That led to a playoff at Yas Links where the eventual winner prevailed to take the championship and $1.5 million (£1.13 million) in winnings.
{“Tommy is a phenomenal golfer and an even more individual. To play with him the last two days was really special,” said the winner, the current world No 30. “You’re so concentrated on your game and maintaining focus, it’s hard to put into words at the present how it feels. It is incredible to be holding the trophy.”
Notable Contenders
The Northern Irish star left himself a bit too far to make up, coming up a stroke behind in a shared third place with Højgaard, after a stunning 10-under final round of ten-under. It was his best-ever score on the DP World Tour, comprising eight birdies and one eagle.
Højgaard carded six birdie putts of his as well, but his hopes of leading the leaderboard were dented by a bogey on the twelfth. England’s Mansell produced an superb final-round seven-under to finish in a tie for fifth place with Australia’s Hillier.
