The English golfer Clinches Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Dramatic Playoff Showdown Against Fellow Englishman Fleetwood
Aaron Rai displayed remarkable nerve to claim the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on the final day, beating his compatriot in a dramatic playoff following a rollercoaster final round of competition.
The Englishman nailed a decisive birdie from around eight feet to seal the win, echoing his only previous tournament triumph at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was likewise a playoff win over Fleetwood.
Final Round Drama
The champion entered the last day with a single stroke lead over fellow Englishman Tommy Fleetwood and Danish golfer Nicolai Højgaard. He ended up with a total score of twenty-under after a up-and-down, 67 final round that included seven birdies and two bogeys.
The challenger moved one shot ahead with two holes to play after a birdie on the 16th, but his rival tied it up again on the 17th and then missed a 10-foot birdie putt to win outright on the last hole.
Play-Off Decider
That set up a play-off at Yas Links where the eventual winner prevailed to claim the championship and $1.5 million (ÂŁ1.13 million) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a world-class golfer and an even better individual. To play with him the final two rounds was really special,” said 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
Rory McIlroy left himself a bit too far to make up, finishing a stroke behind in a shared third place with Højgaard, after a spectacular 10-under closing round of 62. It was his best-ever score on the European Tour, including eight birdies and one eagle.
The Danish golfer fired six birdies of his as well, but his chances of topping the standings were dented by a bogey on the twelfth. English golfer Richard Mansell hit an excellent last round seven-under to end up in a tie for fifth place with Australia’s Daniel Hillier.
