Aaron Rai Wins Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Thrilling Play-Off Battle Against Tommy Fleetwood
Aaron Rai displayed exceptional nerve to secure the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on the final day, beating his compatriot in a dramatic playoff following a rollercoaster last day of competition.
Rai sank a crucial birdie putt from just over eight feet to seal the victory, repeating his only previous tournament success at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was likewise a playoff victory over the same opponent.
Final Round Excitement
Rai entered the last day with a single stroke lead over fellow Englishman Tommy Fleetwood and Denmark’s Nicolai Højgaard. He finished with a total score of twenty-under after a topsy-turvy, 67 final round that featured seven birdies and two bogeys.
Fleetwood edged a stroke ahead with two holes remaining after a birdie putt on the 16th, but his rival pulled level again on the 17th and then missed a 10-foot birdie attempt to win outright on the last green.
Play-Off Decider
This led to a playoff at the Yas Links course where the eventual winner triumphed to claim the title and $1.5 million (£1.13 million) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a world-class player and an even better person. To compete alongside him the final two rounds was truly memorable,” stated Rai, the current 30th-ranked player globally. “You’re so focused on your game and maintaining focus, it’s hard to put into words at the moment how it is. It is amazing to be holding the trophy.”
Notable Performances
Rory McIlroy left himself just too much to make up, finishing one shot short in a shared third place with the Dane, after a stunning 10-under closing round of 62. It was his lowest-ever round on the DP World Tour, including eight birdie putts and an eagle.
The Danish golfer carded six birdie putts of his own, but his chances of topping the leaderboard were dented by a bogey on the 12th. English golfer Mansell hit an excellent last round 63 to end up in a tie for fifth place with Australia’s Daniel Hillier.
