Aaron Rai Secures Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Thrilling Playoff Battle Versus Fellow Englishman Fleetwood
Aaron Rai displayed exceptional composure to claim the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on Sunday, beating his compatriot in a dramatic play-off after a rollercoaster last day of play.
The Englishman sank a decisive birdie from just over eight foot to seal the win, repeating his sole prior tournament triumph at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was also a play-off win against Fleetwood.
Sunday's Play Drama
The champion started the final round with a one-shot lead over fellow Englishman Tommy Fleetwood and Denmark’s Højgaard. He ended up with a overall score of twenty-under after a topsy-turvy, five-under closing round that featured seven birdies and two bogeys.
The challenger edged a stroke ahead with two holes to play after a birdie on the sixteenth, but Rai pulled level again on the seventeenth and then missed a 10-foot birdie putt to claim victory on the final green.
Playoff Decider
This set up a play-off at the Yas Links course where the eventual winner triumphed to take the championship and $1.5 million (£1.13m) in winnings.
{“Tommy is a phenomenal golfer and an even better person. To compete alongside him the final two rounds was really special,” stated Rai, the present world No 30. “You’re so focused on playing the round and staying in the zone, it’s difficult to put into words at the present how it is. It is incredible to be stood here.”
Notable Performances
The Northern Irish star found himself a bit too far to make up, finishing one shot behind in a tie for third with Højgaard, after a stunning 62 closing round of 62. It was his best-ever score on the DP World Tour, comprising eight birdies and one eagle.
The Danish golfer carded six birdies of his own, but his hopes of topping the standings were hit by a dropped shot on the twelfth. England’s Mansell hit an excellent final-round seven-under to end up in a tie for fifth place with Australia’s Daniel Hillier.
