The English golfer Wins the Abu Dhabi Title in Thrilling Play-Off Battle Against Fellow Englishman Fleetwood
The 30-year-old golfer displayed remarkable composure to claim the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on Sunday, defeating Tommy Fleetwood in a dramatic playoff after a rollercoaster last day of competition.
The Englishman nailed a crucial birdie putt from just over eight foot to seal the win, repeating his sole prior tournament success at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was likewise a play-off victory over Fleetwood.
Sunday's Play Drama
Rai started the last day with a single stroke advantage over fellow Englishman Fleetwood and Danish golfer Nicolai Højgaard. He finished with a total score of 263 after a topsy-turvy, five-under final round that featured seven birdies and two bogeys.
The challenger moved a stroke clear with two holes to play after a birdie on the 16th, but his rival pulled level again on the 17th and then failed to convert a 10-foot birdie attempt to win outright on the final green.
Play-Off Climax
That led to a play-off at the Yas Links course where Rai triumphed to take the title and $1.5 million (£1.13m) in winnings.
{“Tommy is a world-class player and an even more individual. To compete alongside him the final two rounds was truly memorable,” said the winner, the present world No 30. “You’re so concentrated on playing the round and maintaining focus, it’s difficult to put into words at the present how it feels. It is incredible to be stood here.”
Other Contenders
Rory McIlroy found himself just too much to do, finishing a stroke behind in a tie for third with the Dane, after a stunning 10-under final round of 62. It was McIlroy’s lowest-ever score on the European Tour, comprising eight birdie putts and one eagle.
The Danish golfer fired six birdie putts of his own, but his chances of topping the leaderboard were hit by a bogey on the twelfth. England’s Richard Mansell hit an superb final-round seven-under to finish tied for fifth with Australia’s Daniel Hillier.
