Aaron Rai Secures the Abu Dhabi Title in Dramatic Playoff Battle Versus Fellow Englishman Fleetwood
The 30-year-old golfer displayed remarkable nerve to secure the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on the final day, beating Tommy Fleetwood in a tense playoff following a topsy-turvy final round of play.
Rai sank a decisive birdie putt from around eight foot to clinch the win, echoing his sole prior tournament triumph at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was likewise a play-off win over the same opponent.
Sunday's Play Drama
The champion started the final round with a single stroke advantage over fellow Englishman Tommy Fleetwood and Denmark’s Højgaard. He ended up with a overall score of twenty-under after a topsy-turvy, five-under final round that featured seven birdie putts and two bogeys.
The challenger moved a stroke ahead with two holes remaining after a birdie on the 16th, but Rai pulled level again on the seventeenth and then failed to convert a ten-foot birdie putt to win outright on the last green.
Playoff Climax
That set up a play-off at the Yas Links course where Rai triumphed to claim the title and $1.5 million (£1.13m) in winnings.
{“Tommy is a world-class golfer and an even better individual. To compete alongside him the last two days was truly memorable,” said the winner, the present 30th-ranked player globally. “You’re so focused on your game and maintaining focus, it’s difficult to describe at the present how it feels. It is incredible to be holding the trophy.”
Other Contenders
Rory McIlroy found himself a bit too far to make up, finishing a stroke behind in a tie for third with the Dane, after a spectacular 10-under final round of ten-under. It was his best-ever score on the DP World Tour, comprising eight birdie putts and one eagle.
The Danish golfer carded six birdies of his as well, but his chances of topping the standings were dented by a bogey on the 12th. English golfer Richard Mansell produced an superb final-round seven-under to finish in a tie for fifth place with Australian Daniel Hillier.
