The English golfer Clinches the Abu Dhabi Title in Dramatic Play-Off Battle Against Tommy Fleetwood
Aaron Rai displayed remarkable nerve to claim the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on the final day, defeating Tommy Fleetwood in a tense play-off after a topsy-turvy last day of play.
The Englishman nailed a crucial birdie putt from around eight feet to seal the victory, repeating his only previous Rolex Series success at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was also a playoff victory against Fleetwood.
Sunday's Play Excitement
Rai entered the final round with a one-shot lead over countryman Fleetwood and Denmark’s Højgaard. He finished with a overall score of twenty-under after a up-and-down, 67 final round that featured seven birdie putts and two bogeys.
Fleetwood edged a stroke ahead with the 16th and 17th remaining after a birdie on the sixteenth, but his rival 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
This led to a play-off at the Yas Links course where Rai prevailed to claim the championship and $1.5m (£1.13 million) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a world-class golfer and an even better individual. To compete alongside him the last two days was really special,” said the winner, the current world No 30. “You’re so focused on playing the round and maintaining focus, it’s hard to put into words at the moment how it feels. It is incredible to be stood here.”
Notable Performances
Rory McIlroy found himself a bit too far to make up, finishing one shot short in a tie for third with Højgaard, after a stunning 62 closing round of ten-under. It was McIlroy’s best-ever score on the European Tour, including eight birdies and an eagle.
Højgaard fired six birdie putts of his as well, but his hopes of topping the standings were hit by a dropped shot on the twelfth. England’s Richard Mansell hit an excellent last round 63 to finish in a tie for fifth place with Australian Daniel Hillier.