The English golfer Clinches the Abu Dhabi Title in Dramatic Playoff Showdown Versus Fellow Englishman Fleetwood
Aaron Rai demonstrated exceptional composure to secure the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on the final day, defeating Tommy Fleetwood in a tense play-off after a topsy-turvy last day of competition.
The Englishman nailed a decisive birdie putt from around eight foot to clinch the win, echoing his sole prior Rolex Series success at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was likewise a playoff victory against the same opponent.
Final Round Drama
Rai entered the last day with a single stroke lead over fellow Englishman Tommy Fleetwood and Danish golfer Højgaard. He finished with a overall score of twenty-under after a topsy-turvy, 67 final round that included seven birdie putts and two bogeys.
Fleetwood moved a stroke ahead with the 16th and 17th to play after a birdie putt on the sixteenth, but Rai pulled level again on the 17th and then missed a 10-foot birdie attempt to win outright on the last green.
Playoff Decider
That led to a playoff at Yas Links where Rai prevailed to take the title and $1.5 million (£1.13m) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a phenomenal golfer and an even better individual. To compete alongside him the last two days was really special,” said the winner, the present world No 30. “You’re so focused on your game and staying in the zone, it’s difficult to describe at the moment how it is. It is incredible to be holding the trophy.”
Other Contenders
Rory McIlroy found himself just too much to make up, finishing a stroke short in a tie for third with the Dane, after a stunning 10-under closing round of ten-under. It was his best-ever round 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 dented by a bogey on the 12th. England’s Richard Mansell hit an excellent final-round 63 to end up in a tie for fifth place with Australian Daniel Hillier.
