The English golfer Clinches the Abu Dhabi Title in Dramatic Play-Off Battle Versus Tommy Fleetwood
Aaron Rai displayed remarkable composure to claim the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on the final day, 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 feet to clinch the win, repeating his sole prior Rolex Series triumph at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was likewise a playoff victory against Fleetwood.
Final Round Drama
The champion started the final round with a one-shot lead over countryman Fleetwood and Danish golfer Højgaard. He ended up with a total score of twenty-under after a up-and-down, 67 closing round that included seven birdie putts and a pair of bogeys.
The challenger moved one shot clear with two holes remaining after a birdie putt on the sixteenth, but Rai pulled level again on the seventeenth and then failed to convert a 10-foot birdie putt to claim victory on the last green.
Play-Off Decider
That led to a playoff at Yas Links where Rai triumphed to take the title and $1.5 million (£1.13 million) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a world-class player and an even more person. To play with him the final two rounds was really special,” stated the winner, the current world No 30. “You’re so focused on playing the round and maintaining focus, it’s difficult to put into words at the present how it is. It is amazing to be stood here.”
Other Performances
Rory McIlroy found himself a bit too far to do, finishing a stroke behind in a shared third place with the Dane, after a spectacular 10-under closing round of ten-under. It was McIlroy’s best-ever round on the DP World Tour, comprising eight birdie putts and one eagle.
Højgaard carded six birdie putts of his as well, but his hopes of topping the leaderboard were hit by a dropped shot on the twelfth. England’s Mansell produced an excellent final-round seven-under to finish in a tie for fifth place with Australian Hillier.
