Aaron Rai Clinches the Abu Dhabi Title in Dramatic Playoff Showdown Against Tommy Fleetwood
Aaron Rai displayed remarkable nerve to claim the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on the final day, beating his compatriot in a tense play-off following a topsy-turvy final round of competition.
The Englishman sank a crucial birdie from just over eight foot to seal the win, repeating his sole prior tournament triumph at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was also a play-off win against the same opponent.
Final Round Excitement
The champion entered the last day with a one-shot lead over countryman Tommy Fleetwood and Denmark’s Højgaard. He finished with a overall score of 263 after a up-and-down, 67 final round that included seven birdie putts and two bogeys.
Fleetwood edged one shot clear with the 16th and 17th remaining after a birdie on the 16th, but Rai tied it up again on the 17th and then missed a 10-foot birdie attempt to claim victory on the final hole.
Playoff Decider
That led to a playoff at the Yas Links course where Rai triumphed to take the title and $1.5m (£1.13 million) in winnings.
{“Tommy is a world-class player and an even more person. To compete alongside him the final two rounds was really special,” said Rai, the present 30th-ranked player globally. “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 is. It is incredible to be holding the trophy.”
Notable Performances
The Northern Irish star found himself just too much to make up, finishing one shot behind in a shared third place with the Dane, after a stunning 62 closing round of 62. It was McIlroy’s lowest-ever round on the European Tour, comprising eight birdie putts and an eagle.
Højgaard carded six birdies of his own, but his chances of topping the standings were hit by a bogey on the twelfth. England’s Mansell produced an superb final-round seven-under to end up tied for fifth with Australian Daniel Hillier.
