Aaron Rai Wins Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Thrilling Playoff Battle Versus Fellow Englishman Fleetwood
Aaron Rai displayed remarkable composure to secure the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on Sunday, beating his compatriot in a tense play-off after a topsy-turvy last day of play.
The Englishman nailed a crucial birdie putt from around eight foot to clinch the win, repeating his only previous tournament triumph at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was likewise a playoff win over Fleetwood.
Final Round Excitement
The champion entered the last day with a one-shot advantage over countryman Tommy Fleetwood and Danish golfer Nicolai Højgaard. He ended up with a total score of 263 after a topsy-turvy, 67 closing round that included seven birdies and a pair of bogeys.
Fleetwood moved a stroke ahead with the 16th and 17th remaining after a birdie on the 16th, but Rai pulled level again on the seventeenth and then missed a 10-foot birdie putt to win outright on the final green.
Playoff Decider
This led to a playoff at Yas Links where Rai prevailed to claim the title and $1.5 million (£1.13m) in winnings.
{“Tommy is a phenomenal player and an even more person. To play with him the last two days was really special,” stated Rai, the present world No 30. “You’re so focused on your game and maintaining focus, it’s hard to describe at the present how it feels. It is amazing to be holding the trophy.”
Other Performances
The Northern Irish star left himself just too much to make up, finishing one shot short in a tie for third with the Dane, after a spectacular 10-under final round of 62. It was McIlroy’s best-ever score on the DP World Tour, comprising eight birdies and an eagle.
The Danish golfer carded six birdie putts of his own, but his hopes of topping the leaderboard were hit by a bogey on the twelfth. England’s Mansell hit an excellent final-round 63 to finish tied for fifth with Australia’s Daniel Hillier.
