The English golfer Clinches the Abu Dhabi Title in Thrilling Playoff Showdown Versus Fellow Englishman Fleetwood
Aaron Rai displayed remarkable nerve to claim the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on the final day, beating his compatriot in a dramatic playoff after a rollercoaster final round of play.
Rai nailed a decisive birdie from around eight foot to seal the win, repeating his only previous Rolex Series success at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was also a playoff win over Fleetwood.
Final Round Excitement
The champion entered the last day with a single stroke lead over fellow Englishman Tommy Fleetwood and Denmark’s Højgaard. He ended up with a total score of 263 after a up-and-down, 67 final round that included seven birdies and a pair of bogeys.
Fleetwood moved one shot clear with two holes to play after a birdie putt on the 16th, but his rival pulled level again on the seventeenth and then failed to convert a 10-foot birdie attempt to claim victory on the last hole.
Play-Off Climax
That set up a playoff at Yas Links where Rai triumphed to claim the title and $1.5m (£1.13 million) in winnings.
{“Tommy is a world-class player and an even more individual. To compete alongside him the last two days was really special,” said Rai, the present world No 30. “You’re so concentrated on playing the round and staying in the zone, it’s hard to put into words at the moment how it feels. It is amazing to be holding the trophy.”
Other 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 his lowest-ever round on the European Tour, comprising eight birdie putts and an eagle.
The Danish golfer fired six birdies of his own, but his hopes of leading the standings were hit by a bogey on the twelfth. English golfer Richard Mansell hit an superb final-round 63 to finish tied for fifth with Australia’s Hillier.
