Aaron Rai Wins Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Dramatic Playoff Battle Against Tommy Fleetwood
The 30-year-old golfer demonstrated remarkable nerve to claim the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on the final day, beating his compatriot in a dramatic play-off after a topsy-turvy last day of play.
The Englishman sank a crucial birdie from just over eight feet to seal the win, repeating his sole prior Rolex Series triumph at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was likewise a playoff victory over the same opponent.
Final Round Drama
Rai started the final round with a single stroke advantage over countryman Tommy Fleetwood and Danish golfer Højgaard. He ended up with a total score of 263 after a topsy-turvy, five-under closing round that included seven birdie putts and a pair of bogeys.
The challenger edged a stroke ahead with the 16th and 17th to play after a birdie putt on the 16th, but his rival pulled level again on the 17th and then failed to convert a ten-foot birdie putt to claim victory on the final hole.
Playoff Climax
This led to a playoff at the Yas Links course where Rai triumphed to claim the title and $1.5m (£1.13 million) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a world-class player and an even more person. To compete alongside him the last two days was really special,” said the winner, the present 30th-ranked player globally. “You’re so focused on playing the round and staying in the zone, it’s hard to put into words at the moment how it feels. It is incredible to be holding the trophy.”
Other Performances
The Northern Irish star found himself just too much to make up, finishing one shot short in a shared third place with the Dane, after a stunning 62 closing round of ten-under. It was his lowest-ever score on the European Tour, including eight birdies and an eagle.
Højgaard fired six birdies of his own, but his hopes of leading the leaderboard were dented by a dropped shot on the 12th. England’s Richard Mansell hit an excellent last round seven-under to finish tied for fifth with Australia’s Daniel Hillier.
