The English golfer Clinches the Abu Dhabi Title in Thrilling Play-Off Battle Versus Tommy Fleetwood
Aaron Rai displayed exceptional composure to secure the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on the final day, defeating his compatriot in a dramatic play-off after a rollercoaster final round of play.
Rai nailed a crucial birdie putt from just over eight feet to clinch the win, echoing his sole prior Rolex Series triumph at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was likewise a playoff win against the same opponent.
Final Round Drama
The champion started the final round with a single stroke lead over fellow Englishman Tommy Fleetwood and Danish golfer Nicolai Højgaard. He finished with a total score of 263 after a up-and-down, 67 final round that featured seven birdies and a pair of bogeys.
The challenger edged one shot clear with the 16th and 17th remaining after a birdie putt on the sixteenth, but his rival tied it up again on the seventeenth and then missed a 10-foot birdie attempt to win outright on the final green.
Playoff Decider
This set up a playoff at Yas Links where the eventual winner prevailed to take the title and $1.5m (ÂŁ1.13m) in winnings.
{“Tommy is a phenomenal golfer and an even more individual. To compete alongside him the final two rounds was truly memorable,” said the winner, the present world No 30. “You’re so focused on your game and staying in the zone, it’s hard to describe at the present how it is. It is incredible to be holding the trophy.”
Notable Performances
The Northern Irish star left himself just too much to make up, finishing one shot behind in a tie for third with Højgaard, after a spectacular 62 closing round of 62. It was his lowest-ever round on the DP World Tour, including eight birdies and an eagle.
Højgaard fired six birdies of his as well, but his hopes of leading the leaderboard were dented by a dropped shot on the 12th. England’s Richard Mansell hit an superb last round seven-under to finish in a tie for fifth place with Australian Hillier.
