Aaron Rai Wins the Abu Dhabi Title in Dramatic Play-Off Battle Against Fellow Englishman Fleetwood
Aaron Rai displayed remarkable nerve to claim the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on Sunday, beating Tommy Fleetwood in a tense playoff following a rollercoaster last day of play.
The Englishman sank a crucial birdie from just over eight feet to clinch the victory, echoing his sole prior tournament success at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was also a play-off victory over the same opponent.
Sunday's Play Excitement
The champion started the last day with a one-shot lead over fellow Englishman Fleetwood and Danish golfer Nicolai Højgaard. He finished with a total score of 263 after a topsy-turvy, five-under closing round that featured seven birdie putts and two bogeys.
The challenger moved one shot clear with two holes to play after a birdie on the 16th, but Rai pulled level again on the 17th and then missed a ten-foot birdie putt to win outright on the last hole.
Playoff Decider
This set up a playoff at Yas Links where the eventual winner prevailed to claim the championship and $1.5 million (£1.13 million) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a phenomenal golfer and an even more person. To compete alongside him the final two rounds was really special,” stated Rai, the present 30th-ranked player globally. “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 incredible to be stood here.”
Notable Contenders
The Northern Irish star found himself just too much to make up, finishing one shot short in a shared third place with the Dane, after a spectacular 62 final round of 62. It was McIlroy’s lowest-ever score on the European Tour, including eight birdies and one eagle.
Højgaard fired six birdie putts of his own, but his hopes of leading the standings were dented by a bogey on the 12th. England’s Mansell hit an excellent last round seven-under to finish in a tie for fifth place with Australia’s Hillier.