Aaron Rai Wins the Abu Dhabi Title in Thrilling Play-Off Showdown Against Fellow Englishman Fleetwood
Aaron Rai demonstrated remarkable nerve to claim the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on Sunday, defeating his compatriot in a dramatic playoff after a topsy-turvy last day of competition.
The Englishman sank a crucial birdie from just over eight foot to clinch the win, repeating his only previous tournament triumph at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was likewise a play-off victory over Fleetwood.
Sunday's Play Drama
Rai entered the final round with a single stroke advantage over countryman Fleetwood and Denmark’s Nicolai Højgaard. He ended up with a overall score of twenty-under after a topsy-turvy, 67 closing round that included seven birdies and a pair of bogeys.
The challenger edged a stroke clear with two holes to play after a birdie putt on the 16th, but Rai pulled level again on the seventeenth and then missed a ten-foot birdie attempt to win outright on the last green.
Playoff Climax
This led to a playoff at Yas Links where the eventual winner prevailed to take the championship and $1.5 million (ÂŁ1.13 million) in winnings.
{“Tommy is a world-class golfer and an even more person. To compete alongside him the final two rounds was truly memorable,” said the winner, the present world No 30. “You’re so focused on your game and staying in the zone, it’s hard to put into words at the moment how it is. It is incredible to be holding the trophy.”
Notable Performances
Rory McIlroy left himself just too much to make up, finishing one shot behind in a shared third place with Højgaard, after a spectacular 62 closing round of ten-under. It was his best-ever score on the DP World Tour, comprising eight birdie putts and one eagle.
The Danish golfer carded six birdie putts of his own, but his hopes of topping the leaderboard were hit by a bogey on the 12th. England’s Mansell produced an superb last round seven-under to end up in a tie for fifth place with Australia’s Daniel Hillier.
