Aaron Rai Wins Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Dramatic Play-Off Showdown Against Fellow Englishman Fleetwood
Aaron Rai demonstrated remarkable nerve to claim the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on the final day, defeating his compatriot in a tense play-off after a rollercoaster last day of play.
The Englishman sank a decisive birdie from around eight foot to clinch the win, repeating his only previous tournament success at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was likewise a playoff victory over the same opponent.
Final Round Drama
The champion started the last day with a single stroke lead over countryman Fleetwood and Denmark’s Nicolai Højgaard. He finished with a total score of 263 after a topsy-turvy, five-under final round that included seven birdie putts and two bogeys.
The challenger edged a stroke clear with two holes to play after a birdie on the sixteenth, but his rival pulled level again on the 17th and then failed to convert a 10-foot birdie attempt to claim victory on the final green.
Play-Off Climax
That set up a play-off at Yas Links where the eventual winner prevailed to take the title and $1.5 million (£1.13m) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a phenomenal player and an even better individual. To compete alongside him the last two days was truly memorable,” stated the winner, the current world No 30. “You’re so focused on playing the round and maintaining focus, it’s difficult to describe at the moment how it is. It is incredible to be holding the trophy.”
Notable Performances
Rory McIlroy found himself just too much to make up, finishing a stroke behind in a shared third place with the Dane, after a stunning 10-under final round of ten-under. It was McIlroy’s lowest-ever score on the DP World Tour, including eight birdies and one eagle.
The Danish golfer carded six birdies of his own, but his hopes of leading the leaderboard were dented by a dropped shot on the 12th. England’s Mansell hit an superb last round 63 to end up in a tie for fifth place with Australian Daniel Hillier.