The English golfer Wins the Abu Dhabi Title in Thrilling Play-Off Battle Against Tommy Fleetwood
Aaron Rai demonstrated remarkable nerve to secure the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on the final day, defeating Tommy Fleetwood in a dramatic playoff following a rollercoaster last day of play.
The Englishman sank a decisive birdie putt from just over eight foot to seal the victory, repeating his sole prior Rolex Series success at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was also a play-off victory over Fleetwood.
Sunday's Play Excitement
Rai started the last day with a single stroke advantage over fellow Englishman Tommy Fleetwood and Denmark’s Nicolai Højgaard. He ended up with a overall score of 263 after a topsy-turvy, five-under final round that featured seven birdies and a pair of bogeys.
The challenger moved one shot ahead with two holes remaining after a birdie putt on the 16th, but Rai tied it up again on the seventeenth and then missed a 10-foot birdie putt to claim victory on the last hole.
Playoff Climax
This led to a play-off at Yas Links where Rai prevailed to claim the title and $1.5m (£1.13m) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a phenomenal golfer and an even better individual. To compete alongside him the final two rounds was truly memorable,” said the winner, the current world No 30. “You’re so concentrated on your game and staying in the zone, it’s difficult to put into words at the moment how it is. It is amazing to be holding the trophy.”
Other Performances
The Northern Irish star found himself just too much to make up, coming up one shot short in a tie for third with the Dane, after a spectacular 10-under closing round of ten-under. It was McIlroy’s best-ever round on the DP World Tour, including eight birdie putts and one eagle.
Højgaard fired six birdie putts of his as well, but his hopes of leading the leaderboard were hit by a bogey on the twelfth. English golfer Richard Mansell hit an excellent last round 63 to end up tied for fifth with Australia’s Hillier.
