Aaron Rai Wins the Abu Dhabi Title in Thrilling Playoff Showdown Versus Tommy Fleetwood
The 30-year-old golfer demonstrated exceptional composure to claim the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on Sunday, beating his compatriot in a dramatic play-off following a topsy-turvy last day of play.
The Englishman nailed a crucial birdie putt from just over eight foot to seal the win, repeating his only previous tournament triumph at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was also a play-off victory over Fleetwood.
Final Round Drama
Rai started the last day with a single stroke advantage over fellow Englishman Tommy Fleetwood and Denmark’s Højgaard. He finished with a total score of 263 after a topsy-turvy, five-under final round that included seven birdies and a pair of bogeys.
Fleetwood moved a stroke ahead with the 16th and 17th to play after a birdie on the sixteenth, but his rival tied it up again on the 17th and then missed a 10-foot birdie putt to claim victory on the final hole.
Play-Off Decider
That set up a play-off at the Yas Links course where Rai triumphed to take the title and $1.5m (£1.13m) in winnings.
{“Tommy is a phenomenal golfer and an even better person. To compete alongside him the final two rounds was really special,” said Rai, the present 30th-ranked player globally. “You’re so concentrated on your game and staying in the zone, it’s hard to describe at the moment how it is. It is amazing to be stood here.”
Other Performances
Rory McIlroy left himself a bit too far to make up, coming up a stroke short in a shared third place with the Dane, after a spectacular 10-under final round of ten-under. It was McIlroy’s lowest-ever round on the European Tour, including eight birdie putts and one eagle.
The Danish golfer carded six birdie putts of his as well, but his chances of leading the standings were dented by a dropped shot on the twelfth. English golfer Mansell produced an superb last round seven-under to end up in a tie for fifth place with Australian Hillier.
