The English golfer Clinches Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Dramatic Play-Off Showdown Versus Fellow Englishman Fleetwood
The 30-year-old golfer demonstrated remarkable nerve to claim the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on the final day, beating his compatriot in a tense play-off after a topsy-turvy last day of competition.
Rai nailed a crucial birdie putt from just over eight feet to clinch the win, repeating his sole prior Rolex Series success at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was likewise a playoff win against Fleetwood.
Sunday's Play Drama
The champion started the last day with a single stroke lead over countryman Tommy Fleetwood and Denmark’s Højgaard. He ended up with a overall score of 263 after a up-and-down, 67 closing round that featured seven birdies and a pair of bogeys.
Fleetwood moved one shot ahead with the 16th and 17th to play after a birdie putt on the sixteenth, but Rai tied it up again on the 17th and then failed to convert a 10-foot birdie putt to win outright on the final green.
Play-Off Climax
This led to a play-off at the Yas Links course where the eventual winner prevailed to take the title and $1.5 million (£1.13m) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a world-class golfer and an even more individual. To play with him the final two rounds was really special,” stated the winner, the present 30th-ranked player globally. “You’re so focused on playing the round and maintaining focus, it’s difficult to put into words at the present how it feels. It is incredible to be stood here.”
Other Contenders
Rory McIlroy left himself just too much to do, finishing one shot short in a tie for third with the Dane, after a stunning 10-under final round of ten-under. It was McIlroy’s lowest-ever score on the DP World Tour, including eight birdies and an eagle.
Højgaard carded six birdies of his as well, but his hopes of topping the leaderboard were hit by a bogey on the 12th. English golfer Mansell hit an excellent last round 63 to finish tied for fifth with Australia’s Hillier.
