Aaron Rai Wins Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Thrilling Playoff Battle Versus Tommy Fleetwood
Aaron Rai demonstrated exceptional composure to secure the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on the final day, beating Tommy Fleetwood in a dramatic play-off following a topsy-turvy last day of competition.
The Englishman nailed a decisive birdie from around eight foot to clinch the victory, repeating his sole prior tournament success at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was likewise a playoff victory over Fleetwood.
Sunday's Play Excitement
The champion started the last day with a single stroke lead over countryman Tommy Fleetwood and Denmark’s Højgaard. He ended up with a total score of twenty-under after a topsy-turvy, 67 closing round that featured seven birdies and two bogeys.
The challenger edged one shot clear with two holes remaining after a birdie on the 16th, but his rival pulled level again on the 17th and then failed to convert a 10-foot birdie attempt to claim victory on the last hole.
Playoff Climax
This led to a playoff at the Yas Links course where the eventual winner triumphed to claim the championship and $1.5m (£1.13 million) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a world-class golfer and an even better individual. To play with him the final two rounds was truly memorable,” stated Rai, the present 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 incredible to be holding the trophy.”
Notable Contenders
The Northern Irish star left himself a bit too far to do, coming up one shot short in a tie for third with Højgaard, after a stunning 10-under final round of 62. It was his lowest-ever round on the European Tour, comprising eight birdie putts and an eagle.
Højgaard carded six birdies of his as well, but his hopes of leading the leaderboard were hit by a bogey on the twelfth. English golfer Mansell produced an excellent last round seven-under to finish tied for fifth with Australian Daniel Hillier.
