The English golfer Wins Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Thrilling Play-Off Battle Against Fellow Englishman Fleetwood
Aaron Rai displayed exceptional nerve to secure the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on Sunday, beating his compatriot in a tense play-off following a rollercoaster final round of play.
Rai sank a crucial birdie from just over eight foot to seal the win, repeating his only previous Rolex Series success at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was also a playoff win against the same opponent.
Final Round Excitement
The champion started the final round with a one-shot lead over fellow Englishman Fleetwood and Denmark’s Højgaard. He finished with a total score of 263 after a up-and-down, five-under final round that included seven birdies and two bogeys.
The challenger edged one shot ahead with the 16th and 17th to play after a birdie on the 16th, but his rival pulled level again on the seventeenth and then failed to convert a ten-foot birdie putt to claim victory on the final green.
Play-Off Climax
That led to a play-off at Yas Links where the eventual winner prevailed to take the championship and $1.5m (£1.13m) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a world-class player and an even better individual. To play with him the final two rounds was really special,” stated the winner, the current world No 30. “You’re so focused on your game and maintaining focus, it’s hard to put into words at the moment how it feels. It is incredible to be holding the trophy.”
Other Contenders
The Northern Irish star left himself a bit too far to do, finishing one shot behind in a shared third place with the Dane, after a stunning 10-under final round of ten-under. It was his best-ever score on the European Tour, including eight birdies and one eagle.
Højgaard carded six birdie putts of his own, but his chances of leading the standings were dented by a dropped shot on the 12th. English golfer Mansell produced an superb final-round seven-under to end up in a tie for fifth place with Australian Hillier.
