The English golfer Secures the Abu Dhabi Title in Dramatic Play-Off Showdown Versus Tommy Fleetwood
Aaron Rai displayed exceptional nerve to claim the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on Sunday, defeating his compatriot in a tense playoff following a rollercoaster last day of competition.
The Englishman sank a decisive birdie putt from just over eight foot to clinch the victory, echoing his sole prior tournament triumph at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was likewise a playoff win over Fleetwood.
Final Round Excitement
The champion started the last day with a one-shot advantage over fellow Englishman Fleetwood and Denmark’s Nicolai Højgaard. He ended up with a total score of 263 after a topsy-turvy, five-under final round that included seven birdie putts and a pair of bogeys.
Fleetwood 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 missed a 10-foot birdie putt to win outright on the last green.
Playoff Climax
This set up a playoff at Yas Links where Rai triumphed to claim the title and $1.5m (£1.13m) in winnings.
{“Tommy is a world-class player and an even more person. To play with him the last two days was really special,” stated the winner, the present world No 30. “You’re so focused on your game and staying in the zone, it’s difficult to describe at the present how it feels. It is amazing to be holding the trophy.”
Other Contenders
The Northern Irish star found himself just too much to do, coming up a stroke short 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, including eight birdie putts and an eagle.
Højgaard fired six birdie putts of his as well, but his chances of leading the standings were hit by a bogey on the twelfth. English golfer Mansell hit an excellent last round 63 to end up in a tie for fifth place with Australian Hillier.
