Aaron Rai Clinches Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Thrilling Play-Off Showdown Against Fellow Englishman Fleetwood
Aaron Rai displayed remarkable nerve to claim the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on the final day, beating his compatriot in a tense play-off following a rollercoaster last day of play.
The Englishman sank a decisive birdie putt from around eight foot to clinch the victory, repeating his sole prior tournament triumph at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was also a play-off win over the same opponent.
Sunday's Play Drama
The champion entered the final round with a single stroke lead over countryman Fleetwood and Denmark’s Højgaard. He finished with a overall score of twenty-under after a up-and-down, 67 closing round that featured seven birdie putts and a pair of bogeys.
The challenger moved one shot ahead with the 16th and 17th remaining after a birdie putt on the sixteenth, but his rival pulled level again on the 17th and then missed a ten-foot birdie attempt to claim victory on the final green.
Play-Off Decider
That led to a play-off at the Yas Links course where the eventual winner prevailed to take the title and $1.5m (£1.13m) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a phenomenal player and an even better individual. To play with him the final two rounds was really special,” said Rai, the present world No 30. “You’re so concentrated on playing the round and maintaining focus, it’s hard to describe at the present how it feels. It is amazing to be holding the trophy.”
Notable Performances
The Northern Irish star found himself just too much to do, finishing one shot behind in a shared third place with the Dane, after a stunning 62 final round of 62. It was his best-ever round on the European Tour, comprising eight birdies and an eagle.
Højgaard fired six birdie putts of his as well, but his chances of leading the standings were hit by a dropped shot on the 12th. England’s Mansell produced an excellent final-round 63 to end up in a tie for fifth place with Australia’s Daniel Hillier.
