Aaron Rai Clinches the Abu Dhabi Title in Thrilling Playoff Showdown Versus Tommy Fleetwood
The 30-year-old golfer demonstrated exceptional nerve to secure the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on the final day, defeating Tommy Fleetwood in a dramatic play-off after a topsy-turvy last day of competition.
Rai sank a decisive birdie from just over eight foot to seal the win, repeating his sole prior Rolex Series triumph at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was also a playoff victory against the same opponent.
Sunday's Play Excitement
The champion started the last day with a single stroke lead over fellow Englishman Fleetwood and Danish golfer Nicolai Højgaard. He ended up with a total score of 263 after a topsy-turvy, five-under closing round that included seven birdies and a pair of bogeys.
Fleetwood moved one shot ahead with two holes remaining after a birdie putt on the sixteenth, but Rai tied it up again on the 17th and then missed a 10-foot birdie attempt to win outright on the last green.
Play-Off Decider
That set up a playoff at the Yas Links course where the eventual winner triumphed to claim the championship and $1.5 million (£1.13 million) in winnings.
{“Tommy is a phenomenal golfer and an even more person. To play with him the last two days was truly memorable,” said the winner, the present 30th-ranked player globally. “You’re so concentrated on playing the round and maintaining focus, it’s difficult to describe at the moment how it is. It is amazing to be holding the trophy.”
Notable Contenders
Rory McIlroy found himself just too much to make up, coming up one shot behind in a shared third place with the Dane, after a spectacular 10-under closing round of 62. It was his lowest-ever score on the DP World Tour, comprising eight birdie putts and one eagle.
The Danish golfer fired six birdie putts of his own, but his chances of leading the standings were dented by a bogey on the 12th. England’s Mansell produced an excellent final-round seven-under to finish tied for fifth with Australian Hillier.
