The English golfer Secures Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Dramatic Play-Off Battle Against Tommy Fleetwood
The 30-year-old golfer displayed exceptional nerve to secure the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on Sunday, beating Tommy Fleetwood in a dramatic playoff following a topsy-turvy last day of competition.
Rai sank a decisive birdie from just over eight feet to clinch the victory, echoing his only previous tournament triumph at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was likewise a play-off win over Fleetwood.
Sunday's Play Drama
Rai entered the final round with a one-shot lead over countryman Tommy Fleetwood and Danish golfer Højgaard. He ended up with a total score of 263 after a topsy-turvy, 67 closing round that featured seven birdies and two bogeys.
The challenger edged a stroke clear 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 failed to convert a ten-foot birdie putt to claim victory on the final green.
Play-Off Decider
That led to a play-off at the Yas Links course where Rai triumphed to take the title and $1.5m (£1.13m) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a world-class player and an even better individual. To play with him the last two days was really special,” stated Rai, the present 30th-ranked player globally. “You’re so focused on your game and maintaining focus, it’s difficult to put into words at the present how it is. It is incredible to be stood here.”
Notable Contenders
The Northern Irish star found himself just too much to make up, finishing a stroke short in a shared third place with Højgaard, after a spectacular 10-under final round of 62. It was McIlroy’s best-ever score on the DP World Tour, including eight birdie putts and an eagle.
Højgaard carded six birdie putts of his own, but his chances of topping the leaderboard were hit by a dropped shot on the 12th. England’s Mansell produced an excellent last round seven-under to finish tied for fifth with Australia’s Daniel Hillier.
