Aaron Rai Secures the Abu Dhabi Title in Thrilling Playoff Battle Against Fellow Englishman Fleetwood
Aaron Rai demonstrated remarkable nerve to secure the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on Sunday, beating his compatriot in a dramatic play-off following a topsy-turvy last day of competition.
Rai nailed a decisive birdie from just over eight foot to seal the win, echoing his only previous tournament triumph at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was likewise a play-off win against the same opponent.
Final Round Drama
Rai started the final round with a single stroke advantage over countryman Fleetwood and Danish golfer Højgaard. He finished with a overall score of twenty-under after a topsy-turvy, five-under final round that included seven birdies and two bogeys.
The challenger edged a stroke clear with two holes to play after a birdie on the 16th, but his rival tied it up again on the seventeenth and then missed a 10-foot birdie attempt to win outright on the final hole.
Play-Off Climax
That set up a play-off at Yas Links where Rai prevailed to take the title and $1.5m (£1.13m) in winnings.
{“Tommy is a phenomenal golfer and an even more person. To compete alongside him the last two days was really special,” stated Rai, the present world No 30. “You’re so focused on your game and staying in the zone, it’s difficult to put into words at the present how it feels. It is amazing to be holding the trophy.”
Notable Performances
Rory McIlroy found himself just too much to do, coming up one shot short in a shared third place with Højgaard, after a stunning 10-under final round of ten-under. It was McIlroy’s best-ever score on the DP World Tour, comprising eight birdie putts and one eagle.
The Danish golfer fired six birdie putts of his own, but his hopes of topping the leaderboard were hit by a bogey on the 12th. England’s Mansell hit an excellent last round 63 to finish in a tie for fifth place with Australian Daniel Hillier.