The English golfer Secures the Abu Dhabi Title in Thrilling Playoff Battle Versus Fellow Englishman Fleetwood
Aaron Rai displayed exceptional nerve to secure the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on the final day, defeating Tommy Fleetwood in a tense play-off following a topsy-turvy final round of competition.
Rai sank a crucial birdie putt from around eight foot to clinch the victory, echoing his sole prior Rolex Series triumph at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was likewise a play-off victory over the same opponent.
Final Round Drama
Rai entered the last day with a single stroke lead over fellow Englishman Tommy Fleetwood and Denmark’s Højgaard. He finished with a total score of twenty-under after a topsy-turvy, five-under final round that included seven birdies and two bogeys.
Fleetwood moved one shot ahead with two holes to play after a birdie putt on the 16th, but his rival tied it up again on the seventeenth and then missed a 10-foot birdie putt to win outright on the last hole.
Playoff Decider
That set up a play-off at the Yas Links course where the eventual winner triumphed to claim the championship and $1.5 million (£1.13m) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a world-class golfer and an even more individual. To compete alongside him the final two rounds was truly memorable,” said Rai, the present world No 30. “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 amazing to be stood here.”
Other Performances
Rory McIlroy left himself just too much to make up, finishing a stroke behind in a tie for third with the Dane, after a stunning 62 final round of ten-under. It was his best-ever round on the DP World Tour, comprising eight birdies and one eagle.
The Danish golfer fired six birdies of his as well, but his hopes of topping the standings were hit by a dropped shot on the twelfth. England’s Mansell produced an superb final-round seven-under to finish in a tie for fifth place with Australian Hillier.
