Aaron Rai Clinches the Abu Dhabi Title in Thrilling Playoff Battle Against Fellow Englishman Fleetwood
The 30-year-old golfer demonstrated remarkable nerve to claim the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on the final day, beating his compatriot in a tense playoff after a topsy-turvy last day of competition.
Rai nailed a crucial birdie from around eight feet to seal the win, repeating his sole prior Rolex Series triumph at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was likewise a play-off victory over Fleetwood.
Sunday's Play Drama
The champion entered the final round with a single stroke lead over fellow Englishman Fleetwood and Denmark’s Nicolai Højgaard. He ended up with a total score of 263 after a topsy-turvy, 67 closing round that featured seven birdies and two bogeys.
The challenger moved a stroke ahead with the 16th and 17th to play after a birdie on the 16th, but Rai pulled level again on the 17th and then failed to convert a ten-foot birdie attempt to claim victory on the last green.
Play-Off Decider
That led to a play-off at the Yas Links course where Rai prevailed to take the championship and $1.5m (£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,” said Rai, the current 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 incredible to be stood here.”
Other Contenders
The Northern Irish star found himself a bit too far to make up, coming up one shot short in a shared third place with the Dane, after a stunning 62 final round of 62. It was McIlroy’s lowest-ever round on the European Tour, including eight birdies and one eagle.
Højgaard fired six birdies of his own, but his chances of topping the standings were hit by a dropped shot on the twelfth. England’s Richard Mansell hit an excellent final-round seven-under to end up in a tie for fifth place with Australian Daniel Hillier.
