The English golfer Wins Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Dramatic Play-Off Showdown Against Fellow Englishman Fleetwood
Aaron Rai displayed remarkable composure to claim the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on the final day, defeating his compatriot in a tense playoff after a rollercoaster last day of play.
Rai nailed a crucial birdie putt from around eight foot to clinch the win, repeating his sole prior tournament triumph at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was also a play-off win against the same opponent.
Final Round Excitement
The champion started the final round with a one-shot advantage over fellow Englishman Tommy Fleetwood and Denmark’s Højgaard. He ended up with a total score of 263 after a topsy-turvy, 67 final round that featured seven birdie putts and two bogeys.
The challenger moved a stroke ahead with the 16th and 17th to play after a birdie on the 16th, but his rival tied it up again on the seventeenth and then missed a 10-foot birdie attempt to win outright on the final hole.
Playoff Decider
This set up a playoff at the Yas Links course where the eventual winner triumphed to claim the championship and $1.5m (£1.13m) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a phenomenal golfer and an even more individual. To play with him the final two rounds was really special,” stated the winner, the present 30th-ranked player globally. “You’re so concentrated on playing the round and maintaining focus, it’s hard to put into words at the present how it feels. It is incredible to be stood here.”
Other Contenders
The Northern Irish star found himself a bit too far to make up, finishing a stroke behind in a shared third place with Højgaard, 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.
The Danish golfer carded six birdie putts of his own, but his hopes of leading the standings were dented by a dropped shot on the 12th. English golfer Mansell hit an excellent last round 63 to finish tied for fifth with Australian Daniel Hillier.
