The English golfer Clinches Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Dramatic Play-Off Battle Versus Fellow Englishman Fleetwood
The 30-year-old golfer displayed exceptional nerve to secure the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on the final day, defeating Tommy Fleetwood in a dramatic play-off after a rollercoaster last day of competition.
Rai nailed a crucial birdie from just over eight feet to clinch the victory, echoing his sole prior Rolex Series success at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was also a play-off victory against the same opponent.
Sunday's Play Drama
Rai entered the final round with a one-shot lead over fellow Englishman Tommy Fleetwood and Danish golfer Nicolai Højgaard. He ended up with a overall score of 263 after a topsy-turvy, 67 final round that featured seven birdies and two bogeys.
Fleetwood moved one shot ahead with the 16th and 17th remaining after a birdie on the 16th, but his rival pulled level again on the 17th and then missed a ten-foot birdie putt to win outright on the final green.
Play-Off Climax
That set up a play-off at Yas Links where the eventual winner triumphed to claim the championship and $1.5m (£1.13 million) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a world-class player and an even more individual. To play with him the final two rounds was truly memorable,” stated Rai, the present 30th-ranked player globally. “You’re so focused on your game and staying in the zone, it’s hard to describe at the moment how it is. It is incredible to be stood here.”
Notable Performances
Rory McIlroy found himself just too much to do, finishing a stroke short in a tie for third with the Dane, after a spectacular 10-under closing round of 62. It was McIlroy’s lowest-ever round on the DP World Tour, including eight birdie putts and an eagle.
Højgaard carded six birdie putts of his own, but his hopes of topping the standings were dented by a dropped shot on the 12th. English golfer Richard Mansell hit an superb final-round seven-under to end up in a tie for fifth place with Australia’s Daniel Hillier.
