The English golfer Wins the Abu Dhabi Title in Dramatic Play-Off Battle Against Tommy Fleetwood
Aaron Rai displayed exceptional composure to claim the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on Sunday, beating his compatriot in a tense play-off following a topsy-turvy last day of competition.
Rai sank a crucial birdie from just over eight feet to clinch the win, echoing his sole prior Rolex Series success at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was also a play-off victory over the same opponent.
Final Round Drama
Rai entered the last day with a one-shot lead over countryman Tommy Fleetwood and Danish golfer Højgaard. He ended up with a total score of twenty-under after a topsy-turvy, 67 final round that included seven birdie putts and two bogeys.
Fleetwood moved one shot ahead with two holes remaining after a birdie putt on the 16th, but Rai pulled level again on the seventeenth and then failed to convert a ten-foot birdie putt to claim victory on the last green.
Play-Off Decider
That led to a playoff at Yas Links where Rai prevailed to claim the title and $1.5 million (£1.13m) in winnings.
{“Tommy is a phenomenal player and an even better individual. To play with him the last two days was truly memorable,” said Rai, the present world No 30. “You’re so concentrated on playing the round and staying in the zone, it’s hard to describe at the present how it feels. It is amazing to be stood here.”
Notable Performances
The Northern Irish star found himself a bit too far to do, coming up a stroke behind in a tie for third with Højgaard, after a spectacular 62 closing round of ten-under. It was his lowest-ever score on the European Tour, including eight birdies and one eagle.
The Danish golfer fired six birdie putts of his own, but his hopes of topping the leaderboard were hit by a dropped shot on the 12th. England’s Richard Mansell hit an excellent final-round 63 to end up tied for fifth with Australian Daniel Hillier.