Aaron Rai Wins the Abu Dhabi Title in Dramatic Playoff Showdown Against Tommy Fleetwood
The 30-year-old golfer demonstrated remarkable composure to claim the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on Sunday, beating Tommy Fleetwood in a dramatic playoff after a topsy-turvy final round of play.
The Englishman nailed a crucial birdie from around eight foot to clinch the win, echoing his sole prior tournament success at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was also a playoff victory against the same opponent.
Final Round Drama
Rai entered the final round with a one-shot lead over fellow Englishman Fleetwood and Danish golfer Højgaard. He ended up with a overall score of 263 after a topsy-turvy, 67 closing round that included seven birdies and a pair of bogeys.
The challenger edged a stroke clear with the 16th and 17th to play after a birdie on the sixteenth, but his rival pulled level again on the seventeenth and then missed a 10-foot birdie putt to claim victory on the last hole.
Play-Off Decider
That set up a play-off at the Yas Links course where the eventual winner prevailed to claim the championship and $1.5m (£1.13m) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a phenomenal golfer and an even better individual. To play with him the last two days was truly memorable,” said the winner, the current world No 30. “You’re so concentrated on your game and maintaining focus, it’s hard to put into words at the moment how it is. It is amazing to be holding the trophy.”
Notable Performances
The Northern Irish star found himself just too much to make up, coming up one shot behind in a shared third place with the Dane, after a stunning 62 closing round of 62. It was his lowest-ever score on the DP World Tour, including eight birdies and an eagle.
The Danish golfer carded six birdie putts of his own, but his hopes of leading the standings were hit by a dropped shot on the 12th. English golfer Mansell hit an excellent final-round 63 to end up tied for fifth with Australian Hillier.
