Aaron Rai Wins the Abu Dhabi Title in Thrilling Play-Off Battle Against Tommy Fleetwood
Aaron Rai demonstrated remarkable composure to claim the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on the final day, defeating Tommy Fleetwood in a dramatic playoff following a rollercoaster last day of competition.
The Englishman sank a crucial birdie putt from just over eight feet to seal the win, echoing his only previous tournament success at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was likewise a play-off win over Fleetwood.
Sunday's Play Drama
Rai entered the last day with a one-shot advantage over countryman Fleetwood and Denmark’s Nicolai Højgaard. He ended up with a total score of 263 after a topsy-turvy, 67 final round that featured seven birdie putts and two bogeys.
Fleetwood edged a stroke clear with two holes to play after a birdie on the 16th, but Rai pulled level again on the 17th and then missed a ten-foot birdie attempt to win outright on the last green.
Play-Off Climax
That set up a play-off at the Yas Links course where the eventual winner triumphed to take the championship and $1.5m (£1.13m) in winnings.
{“Tommy is a world-class player and an even more individual. To compete alongside him the final two rounds was truly memorable,” stated the winner, the current world No 30. “You’re so concentrated on playing the round and maintaining focus, it’s hard to describe at the present how it is. It is amazing to be stood here.”
Other Performances
Rory McIlroy left himself a bit too far to make up, coming up one shot behind in a tie for third with the Dane, after a stunning 10-under final round of ten-under. It was McIlroy’s best-ever round on the DP World Tour, comprising eight birdies and an eagle.
Højgaard carded six birdie putts of his as well, but his hopes of topping the leaderboard were hit by a dropped shot on the 12th. England’s Mansell hit an excellent final-round 63 to end up in a tie for fifth place with Australian Daniel Hillier.
