The English golfer Wins the Abu Dhabi Title in Dramatic Play-Off Battle Against Fellow Englishman Fleetwood
Aaron Rai displayed remarkable nerve to secure the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on Sunday, defeating his compatriot in a dramatic playoff after a rollercoaster last day of competition.
Rai sank a decisive birdie from just over eight feet to clinch the victory, repeating his sole prior Rolex Series success at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was also a playoff victory over the same opponent.
Final Round Excitement
The champion started the last day with a one-shot lead over countryman Tommy Fleetwood and Denmark’s Nicolai Højgaard. He finished with a total score of twenty-under after a topsy-turvy, five-under closing round that included seven birdies and a pair of bogeys.
The challenger edged one shot ahead with the 16th and 17th to play after a birdie on the 16th, but Rai pulled level again on the seventeenth and then failed to convert a 10-foot birdie attempt to win outright on the final hole.
Playoff Decider
This led to a play-off at the Yas Links course where Rai triumphed to claim the championship and $1.5 million (£1.13m) in winnings.
{“Tommy is a world-class player and an even more individual. To play with him the final two rounds was truly memorable,” stated the winner, the present world No 30. “You’re so focused on playing the round and maintaining focus, it’s difficult to describe at the present how it feels. It is incredible to be stood here.”
Other Performances
Rory McIlroy left himself a bit too far to make up, coming up one shot behind in a shared third place with Højgaard, after a stunning 62 closing round of ten-under. It was McIlroy’s best-ever round on the DP World Tour, including eight birdie putts and an eagle.
Højgaard carded six birdie putts of his as well, but his hopes of topping the standings were hit by a dropped shot on the twelfth. English golfer Mansell hit an superb last round seven-under to end up in a tie for fifth place with Australian Daniel Hillier.
