The English golfer Secures Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Dramatic Play-Off Showdown Against Fellow Englishman Fleetwood
Aaron Rai displayed exceptional composure to claim the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on the final day, beating his compatriot in a tense playoff after a topsy-turvy last day of competition.
The Englishman sank a crucial birdie from around eight foot to seal the victory, repeating his sole prior tournament triumph at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was likewise a play-off victory over the same opponent.
Sunday's Play Excitement
The champion entered the final round with a single stroke advantage over countryman Fleetwood and Danish golfer Højgaard. He ended up with a overall score of 263 after a topsy-turvy, 67 final round that included seven birdies and two bogeys.
The challenger edged a stroke ahead with two holes to play after a birdie on the sixteenth, but Rai pulled level again on the seventeenth and then missed a 10-foot birdie attempt to claim victory on the final hole.
Play-Off Decider
This set up a playoff at Yas Links where Rai prevailed to take the championship and $1.5m (£1.13 million) in winnings.
{“Tommy is a phenomenal golfer and an even more individual. To compete alongside him the last two days was really special,” said Rai, the present world No 30. “You’re so concentrated on playing the round and maintaining focus, it’s difficult to describe at the present how it feels. It is incredible to be holding the trophy.”
Other Performances
The Northern Irish star left himself a bit too far to do, finishing a stroke behind in a shared third place with Højgaard, after a stunning 62 final round of ten-under. It was McIlroy’s best-ever round on the DP World Tour, comprising eight birdies and one eagle.
Højgaard fired six birdies of his as well, but his chances of topping the standings were dented by a bogey on the 12th. England’s Richard Mansell hit an excellent final-round 63 to end up in a tie for fifth place with Australian Daniel Hillier.
