The English golfer Clinches the Abu Dhabi Title in Dramatic Playoff Battle Against Tommy Fleetwood
Aaron Rai demonstrated exceptional nerve to claim the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on the final day, beating Tommy Fleetwood in a tense playoff after a topsy-turvy final round of play.
Rai nailed a crucial birdie putt from around eight foot to clinch the victory, repeating his sole prior tournament success at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was likewise a playoff win over Fleetwood.
Final Round Excitement
Rai started the final round with a single stroke advantage over countryman Tommy Fleetwood and Danish golfer Nicolai Højgaard. He finished with a overall score of twenty-under after a topsy-turvy, 67 closing round that included seven birdies and a pair of bogeys.
Fleetwood edged one shot clear with the 16th and 17th to play after a birdie putt on the sixteenth, but his rival tied it up again on the 17th and then missed a 10-foot birdie putt to win outright on the last green.
Playoff Climax
This led to a playoff at Yas Links where the eventual winner prevailed to take the championship and $1.5m (£1.13m) in winnings.
{“Tommy is a phenomenal player and an even better individual. To compete alongside him the last two days was really special,” said Rai, the present 30th-ranked player globally. “You’re so focused on playing the round and maintaining focus, it’s difficult to describe at the present how it is. It is amazing to be holding the trophy.”
Notable Contenders
Rory McIlroy left himself a bit too far to do, finishing one shot short in a shared third place with Højgaard, after a stunning 62 final round of 62. It was his best-ever score on the European Tour, including eight birdies and one eagle.
The Danish golfer carded six birdies of his own, but his hopes of topping the standings were hit by a dropped shot on the twelfth. England’s Mansell produced an superb last round 63 to end up in a tie for fifth place with Australian Hillier.
