Aaron Rai displayed exceptional composure to secure the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on Sunday, defeating his compatriot in a tense play-off after a rollercoaster final round of play.
Rai nailed a decisive birdie putt from just over eight foot to clinch the victory, repeating his sole prior Rolex Series triumph at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was likewise a play-off victory over the same opponent.
Sunday's Play Drama
Rai entered the last day with a single stroke lead over fellow Englishman Fleetwood and Denmark’s Nicolai Højgaard. He finished with a overall score of 263 after a topsy-turvy, five-under closing round that featured seven birdies and a pair of bogeys.
The challenger moved one shot ahead with the 16th and 17th to play after a birdie putt on the 16th, but his rival pulled level again on the 17th and then failed to convert a ten-foot birdie attempt to win outright on the last green.
Playoff Decider
This set up a play-off at Yas Links where the eventual winner triumphed to claim the title and $1.5m (£1.13m) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a phenomenal golfer and an even more individual. To play with him the final two rounds was truly memorable,” stated Rai, the current world No 30. “You’re so focused on your game and staying in the zone, it’s difficult to describe at the present how it feels. It is amazing to be stood here.”
Other Contenders
The Northern Irish star found himself just too much to do, coming up a stroke behind in a shared third place with Højgaard, after a spectacular 10-under closing round of ten-under. It was his best-ever round on the European Tour, including eight birdie putts and an eagle.
The Danish golfer fired six birdies of his own, but his chances of leading the leaderboard were hit by a dropped shot on the 12th. English golfer Richard Mansell produced an excellent last round seven-under to finish in a tie for fifth place with Australian Daniel Hillier.
