Aaron Rai Wins the Abu Dhabi Title in Thrilling Play-Off Showdown Versus Tommy Fleetwood
Aaron Rai demonstrated remarkable composure to claim the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on Sunday, beating his compatriot in a tense play-off after a topsy-turvy last day of competition.
Rai sank a decisive birdie putt from just over eight feet to seal the win, echoing his sole prior tournament success at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was likewise a play-off win against the same opponent.
Sunday's Play Drama
The champion started the last day with a single stroke lead over countryman Fleetwood and Denmark’s Højgaard. He ended up with a overall score of twenty-under after a up-and-down, 67 final round that featured seven birdie putts and two bogeys.
The challenger moved a stroke clear with the 16th and 17th to play after a birdie on the 16th, but Rai tied it up again on the 17th and then failed to convert a 10-foot birdie attempt to win outright on the last green.
Playoff Climax
This led to a playoff at the Yas Links course where the eventual winner prevailed to take the championship and $1.5 million (ÂŁ1.13 million) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a world-class golfer and an even better person. To compete alongside him the last two days was truly memorable,” stated the winner, the current 30th-ranked player globally. “You’re so concentrated on your game and staying in the zone, it’s difficult to describe at the present how it is. It is incredible to be holding the trophy.”
Other Contenders
The Northern Irish star found himself just too much to do, finishing a stroke short in a tie for third with the Dane, after a stunning 62 closing round of 62. It was McIlroy’s best-ever score on the DP World Tour, comprising eight birdie putts and an eagle.
The Danish golfer fired six birdie putts of his own, but his chances of leading the standings were hit by a dropped shot on the 12th. England’s Mansell hit an excellent final-round seven-under to end up in a tie for fifth place with Australian Daniel Hillier.
