The English golfer Secures the Abu Dhabi Title in Thrilling Play-Off Battle Versus Tommy Fleetwood
The 30-year-old golfer displayed remarkable nerve to claim the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on Sunday, defeating his compatriot in a tense playoff after a topsy-turvy last day of competition.
Rai sank a crucial birdie from just over eight feet to seal the win, echoing his only previous tournament triumph at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was also a playoff win against the same opponent.
Sunday's Play Drama
The champion entered the final round with a one-shot lead over fellow Englishman Fleetwood and Danish golfer Nicolai Højgaard. He ended up with a overall score of 263 after a up-and-down, five-under final round that featured seven birdies and a pair of bogeys.
Fleetwood moved one shot clear with the 16th and 17th remaining after a birdie putt on the 16th, but Rai pulled level again on the seventeenth and then missed a ten-foot birdie attempt to win outright on the final hole.
Play-Off Climax
This set up a play-off at Yas Links where the eventual winner triumphed to take the title and $1.5m (£1.13 million) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a phenomenal golfer and an even more individual. To play with him the final two rounds was really special,” said Rai, the current world No 30. “You’re so focused on playing the round and staying in the zone, it’s difficult to put into words at the present how it is. It is incredible to be holding the trophy.”
Notable Contenders
Rory McIlroy found himself a bit too far to do, finishing one shot behind in a shared third place with the Dane, after a stunning 62 final round of ten-under. It was McIlroy’s lowest-ever score on the European Tour, including eight birdies and one eagle.
Højgaard fired six birdie putts of his own, but his chances of leading the standings were dented by a bogey on the 12th. English golfer Mansell hit an superb final-round 63 to end up in a tie for fifth place with Australia’s Daniel Hillier.
