Aaron Rai Secures Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Dramatic Play-Off Battle Versus Fellow Englishman Fleetwood
The 30-year-old golfer displayed remarkable nerve to secure the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on the final day, defeating his compatriot in a tense play-off after a rollercoaster last day of play.
Rai sank a crucial birdie putt from just over eight foot to seal the win, repeating his sole prior tournament success at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was likewise a play-off win over Fleetwood.
Final Round Drama
The champion entered the final round with a one-shot advantage over fellow Englishman Tommy Fleetwood and Denmark’s Højgaard. He finished with a overall score of 263 after a topsy-turvy, five-under closing round that featured seven birdies and two bogeys.
The challenger moved one shot clear with two holes remaining after a birdie putt on the sixteenth, but Rai pulled level again on the seventeenth and then failed to convert a 10-foot birdie putt to claim victory on the last hole.
Play-Off Climax
That led to a playoff at Yas Links where the eventual winner triumphed to claim the championship and $1.5m (ÂŁ1.13m) in winnings.
{“Tommy is a world-class golfer and an even better individual. To compete alongside him the final two rounds was truly memorable,” said Rai, the current 30th-ranked player globally. “You’re so concentrated on your game and maintaining focus, it’s difficult to put into words at the present how it is. It is amazing to be stood here.”
Other Contenders
The Northern Irish star left himself just too much to make up, finishing one shot short in a tie for third with the Dane, after a spectacular 62 closing round of 62. It was his lowest-ever round on the DP World Tour, comprising eight birdie putts and an eagle.
The Danish golfer carded six birdies of his own, but his chances of topping the standings were hit by a bogey on the twelfth. English golfer Mansell produced an superb final-round 63 to end up tied for fifth with Australian Daniel Hillier.
