Aaron Rai Wins the Abu Dhabi Title in Dramatic Play-Off Battle Against Tommy Fleetwood
The 30-year-old golfer demonstrated remarkable composure to secure the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on Sunday, beating Tommy Fleetwood in a tense play-off following a rollercoaster last day of play.
The Englishman nailed a decisive birdie putt from around eight foot to seal the victory, echoing his only previous tournament triumph at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was also a play-off victory over the same opponent.
Final Round Drama
The champion entered the final round with a single stroke lead over countryman Tommy Fleetwood and Danish golfer Nicolai Højgaard. He ended up with a total score of twenty-under after a topsy-turvy, 67 final round that featured seven birdie putts and two bogeys.
Fleetwood edged one shot ahead with two holes to play after a birdie putt on the 16th, but his rival tied it up again on the seventeenth and then missed a 10-foot birdie attempt to claim victory on the final hole.
Playoff Climax
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 compete alongside him the final two rounds was truly memorable,” stated Rai, the current world No 30. “You’re so concentrated on your game and maintaining focus, it’s hard to put into words at the present how it feels. It is incredible to be stood here.”
Notable Performances
Rory McIlroy left himself just too much to make up, finishing one shot short in a tie for third with the Dane, after a stunning 10-under closing round of 62. It was McIlroy’s best-ever round on the DP World Tour, comprising eight birdie putts and an eagle.
Højgaard carded six birdies of his own, but his chances of topping the leaderboard were dented by a dropped shot on the twelfth. England’s Mansell produced an superb last round 63 to end up tied for fifth with Australian Hillier.
