Aaron Rai Wins Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Thrilling Play-Off Battle Against Fellow Englishman Fleetwood
The 30-year-old golfer demonstrated exceptional nerve to claim the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on Sunday, defeating Tommy Fleetwood in a tense play-off following a topsy-turvy last day of play.
Rai nailed a crucial birdie from just over eight foot to seal the victory, echoing his only previous Rolex Series success at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was also a play-off win over the same opponent.
Sunday's Play Drama
Rai entered the final round with a one-shot advantage over fellow Englishman Fleetwood and Danish golfer Højgaard. He finished with a total score of 263 after a up-and-down, 67 final round that featured seven birdies and a pair of bogeys.
The challenger edged one shot ahead with two holes remaining after a birdie on the sixteenth, but his rival tied it up again on the 17th and then missed a ten-foot birdie putt to claim victory on the final hole.
Play-Off Climax
This set up a play-off at Yas Links where the eventual winner triumphed to take the title and $1.5 million (£1.13m) in winnings.
{“Tommy is a world-class player and an even better person. 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 describe at the present how it is. It is amazing to be stood here.”
Notable 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 spectacular 62 final round of ten-under. It was his best-ever round on the European Tour, comprising eight birdies and one eagle.
Højgaard 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 produced an superb final-round seven-under to finish tied for fifth with Australian Hillier.
