Aaron Rai Wins the Abu Dhabi Title in Thrilling Play-Off Battle Versus Fellow Englishman Fleetwood
The 30-year-old golfer displayed exceptional nerve to claim the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on Sunday, beating his compatriot in a dramatic play-off following a topsy-turvy last day of competition.
The Englishman nailed a crucial birdie putt from around eight foot to seal the victory, repeating his only previous tournament triumph at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was also a play-off win against Fleetwood.
Sunday's Play Drama
The champion started the last day with a one-shot lead over fellow Englishman Fleetwood and Denmark’s Højgaard. He ended up with a total score of twenty-under after a topsy-turvy, five-under final round that included seven birdie putts and a pair of bogeys.
The challenger moved a stroke clear with the 16th and 17th remaining after a birdie putt on the 16th, but his rival tied it up again on the 17th and then failed to convert a ten-foot birdie attempt to win outright on the final hole.
Playoff Climax
This set up a play-off at Yas Links where Rai triumphed to take the title and $1.5m (£1.13m) in winnings.
{“Tommy is a world-class player and an even better person. To play with him the last two days was really special,” stated Rai, the present 30th-ranked player globally. “You’re so concentrated on your game and staying in the zone, it’s hard to describe at the present how it feels. It is amazing to be holding the trophy.”
Other Contenders
Rory McIlroy found himself a bit too far to make up, finishing one shot behind in a tie for third with the Dane, after a spectacular 62 closing round of 62. It was McIlroy’s lowest-ever round on the DP World Tour, including eight birdies and one eagle.
Højgaard fired six birdies of his own, but his hopes of leading the leaderboard were dented by a dropped shot on the 12th. England’s Mansell hit an excellent last round 63 to end up in a tie for fifth place with Australian Daniel Hillier.
