Aaron Rai Wins the Abu Dhabi Title in Dramatic Playoff Showdown Against Tommy Fleetwood
Aaron Rai displayed remarkable composure to claim the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on Sunday, beating his compatriot in a dramatic play-off after a rollercoaster last day of play.
Rai sank a decisive birdie putt from just over eight foot to seal the victory, echoing his only previous tournament triumph at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was likewise a play-off victory over the same opponent.
Sunday's Play Excitement
The champion entered the final round with a single stroke lead over fellow Englishman Fleetwood and Denmark’s Nicolai Højgaard. He ended up with a total score of 263 after a topsy-turvy, five-under closing round that featured seven birdie putts and two bogeys.
The challenger edged a stroke ahead with two holes to play after a birdie on the sixteenth, but Rai pulled level again on the seventeenth and then failed to convert a 10-foot birdie attempt to claim victory on the last hole.
Play-Off Decider
This set up a playoff at Yas Links where the eventual winner triumphed to claim the championship and $1.5 million (£1.13 million) in winnings.
{“Tommy is a phenomenal player and an even better person. To compete alongside him the final two rounds was truly memorable,” said Rai, the current 30th-ranked player globally. “You’re so focused on playing the round and maintaining focus, it’s hard to describe at the moment how it feels. It is amazing to be holding the trophy.”
Other Performances
Rory McIlroy found himself just too much to do, finishing one shot behind in a shared third place with Højgaard, after a stunning 62 closing round of ten-under. It was his lowest-ever round on the DP World Tour, including eight birdies and one eagle.
Højgaard carded six birdies of his as well, but his hopes of leading the leaderboard were dented by a dropped shot on the 12th. English golfer Mansell hit an superb final-round seven-under to finish in a tie for fifth place with Australian Hillier.
