Aaron Rai Secures the Abu Dhabi Title in Dramatic Playoff Showdown Versus Tommy Fleetwood
The 30-year-old golfer displayed remarkable nerve to claim the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on Sunday, defeating his compatriot in a tense play-off following a topsy-turvy final round of play.
The Englishman sank a crucial birdie from around eight foot to clinch the victory, repeating his sole prior Rolex Series triumph at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was likewise a play-off victory against Fleetwood.
Sunday's Play Excitement
The champion started the final round with a one-shot lead over countryman Tommy Fleetwood and Denmark’s Nicolai Højgaard. He ended up with a total score of 263 after a topsy-turvy, five-under closing round that featured seven birdies and two bogeys.
Fleetwood moved a stroke ahead with the 16th and 17th remaining after a birdie on the sixteenth, but Rai tied it up again on the 17th and then failed to convert 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 claim the championship and $1.5 million (£1.13m) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a world-class player and an even more individual. To compete alongside him the final two rounds was truly memorable,” said the winner, the present world No 30. “You’re so concentrated on playing the round and maintaining focus, it’s hard to describe at the present how it feels. It is incredible to be holding the trophy.”
Notable Performances
Rory McIlroy left himself a bit too far to make up, coming up a stroke behind in a tie for third with Højgaard, after a spectacular 62 final round of ten-under. It was his best-ever score on the DP World Tour, comprising eight birdies and one eagle.
The Danish golfer carded six birdie putts of his as well, but his hopes of topping the leaderboard were dented by a dropped shot on the twelfth. English golfer Mansell hit an excellent last round seven-under to finish tied for fifth with Australia’s Daniel Hillier.