The English golfer Wins Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Thrilling Playoff Battle Versus Fellow Englishman Fleetwood
Aaron Rai displayed remarkable nerve to claim the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on Sunday, defeating Tommy Fleetwood in a tense playoff after a topsy-turvy last day of play.
Rai nailed a crucial birdie putt from around eight feet to seal the victory, repeating his only previous tournament triumph at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was also a play-off victory against the same opponent.
Sunday's Play Drama
Rai started the last day with a one-shot lead over countryman Tommy Fleetwood and Danish golfer Nicolai Højgaard. He finished with a overall score of 263 after a up-and-down, 67 closing round that featured seven birdies and two bogeys.
The challenger edged one shot ahead with the 16th and 17th remaining after a birdie putt on the 16th, but Rai pulled level again on the 17th and then failed to convert a ten-foot birdie attempt to win outright on the final hole.
Playoff Decider
That led to a playoff at the Yas Links course where Rai triumphed to take the championship and $1.5 million (£1.13m) in winnings.
{“Tommy is a phenomenal player and an even better person. To play with him the last two days was truly memorable,” said 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 feels. It is incredible to be holding the trophy.”
Notable Contenders
The Northern Irish star left himself just too much to make up, finishing a stroke short in a shared third place with the Dane, after a spectacular 62 final round of 62. It was his lowest-ever round on the DP World Tour, including eight birdies and one eagle.
The Danish golfer fired six birdie putts of his own, but his chances of leading the standings were dented by a dropped shot on the 12th. England’s Richard Mansell hit an superb last round 63 to end up in a tie for fifth place with Australian Daniel Hillier.
