Aaron Rai Secures the Abu Dhabi Title in Thrilling Playoff Battle Versus Tommy Fleetwood
The 30-year-old golfer demonstrated remarkable nerve to secure the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on the final day, beating Tommy Fleetwood in a tense playoff following a rollercoaster last day of play.
The Englishman nailed a decisive birdie putt from just over eight feet to seal the victory, echoing his sole prior Rolex Series triumph at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was also a play-off victory over the same opponent.
Sunday's Play Drama
Rai started the last day with a single stroke lead over countryman Tommy Fleetwood and Denmark’s Højgaard. He finished with a overall score of 263 after a topsy-turvy, 67 final round that included seven birdie putts and two bogeys.
The challenger edged a stroke ahead with two holes remaining after a birdie on the 16th, but his rival pulled level again on the seventeenth and then missed a 10-foot birdie attempt to win outright on the final hole.
Playoff Climax
That led to a playoff at Yas Links where the eventual winner prevailed to take the title and $1.5 million (£1.13m) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a phenomenal player and an even better person. To compete alongside him the last two days was really special,” stated the winner, the current world No 30. “You’re so focused on playing the round and maintaining focus, it’s difficult to put into words at the present how it feels. It is amazing to be holding the trophy.”
Other Performances
The Northern Irish star left himself a bit too far to do, finishing a stroke behind in a tie for third with the Dane, after a spectacular 62 closing round of ten-under. It was his best-ever round on the DP World Tour, comprising eight birdies and an eagle.
Højgaard carded six birdie putts of his as well, but his chances of topping the standings were hit by a bogey on the 12th. English golfer Mansell hit an excellent last round seven-under to finish tied for fifth with Australia’s Daniel Hillier.