The English golfer Clinches Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Thrilling Play-Off Showdown Against Fellow Englishman Fleetwood
Aaron Rai displayed remarkable composure to claim the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on Sunday, defeating his compatriot in a tense playoff following a rollercoaster final round of play.
The Englishman nailed a crucial birdie from just over eight foot to clinch the victory, repeating his sole prior Rolex Series triumph at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was likewise a play-off win against the same opponent.
Sunday's Play Drama
Rai entered the final round with a one-shot advantage over countryman Fleetwood and Danish golfer Højgaard. He finished with a overall score of 263 after a up-and-down, five-under final round that included seven birdies and two bogeys.
The challenger moved one shot ahead with two holes remaining after a birdie on the sixteenth, but Rai tied it up again on the seventeenth and then failed to convert a 10-foot birdie putt to win outright on the final green.
Play-Off Climax
That set up a play-off at the Yas Links course where the eventual winner prevailed to claim the title and $1.5m (£1.13m) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a phenomenal player and an even better person. To play with him the last two days was truly memorable,” stated Rai, the present world No 30. “You’re so concentrated 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
Rory McIlroy left himself a bit too far to do, finishing one shot behind in a tie for third with Højgaard, after a spectacular 10-under closing round of 62. It was McIlroy’s best-ever score on the DP World Tour, comprising eight birdies and an eagle.
Højgaard carded six birdies of his own, but his chances of topping the standings were dented by a dropped shot on the twelfth. English golfer Richard Mansell hit an superb last round 63 to end up in a tie for fifth place with Australian Daniel Hillier.
