The English golfer Secures Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Dramatic Playoff Battle Versus Fellow Englishman Fleetwood
The 30-year-old golfer demonstrated exceptional composure to secure the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on Sunday, beating his compatriot in a dramatic play-off following a rollercoaster final round of competition.
Rai sank a crucial birdie from around eight foot to seal the win, repeating his sole prior tournament success at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was likewise a play-off win against Fleetwood.
Sunday's Play Drama
The champion started the final round with a one-shot advantage over countryman Tommy Fleetwood and Denmark’s Højgaard. He finished with a total score of twenty-under after a topsy-turvy, five-under closing round that included seven birdies and a pair of bogeys.
Fleetwood edged one shot ahead with two holes to play after a birdie on the sixteenth, but Rai tied it up again on the 17th and then missed a ten-foot birdie putt to claim victory on the final green.
Playoff Decider
That led to a play-off at Yas Links where Rai triumphed to take the championship and $1.5m (£1.13m) in winnings.
{“Tommy is a phenomenal player and an even better individual. To compete alongside him the final two rounds was truly memorable,” said the winner, the current 30th-ranked player globally. “You’re so concentrated on your game and maintaining focus, it’s hard to put into words at the present how it feels. It is incredible to be stood here.”
Notable Performances
The Northern Irish star left himself just too much to make up, coming up a stroke short in a tie for third with the Dane, after a spectacular 10-under final round of 62. It was McIlroy’s lowest-ever round on the DP World Tour, including eight birdies and one eagle.
Højgaard carded six birdies of his as well, but his chances of topping the standings were hit by a bogey on the 12th. England’s Richard Mansell hit an superb last round seven-under to finish tied for fifth with Australia’s Hillier.
