The English golfer Secures Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Thrilling Play-Off Battle Against Fellow Englishman Fleetwood
The 30-year-old golfer displayed exceptional nerve to secure the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on the final day, beating his compatriot in a dramatic playoff after a rollercoaster final round of play.
Rai sank a decisive birdie putt from around eight feet to seal the victory, echoing his sole prior tournament success at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was likewise a playoff victory against Fleetwood.
Sunday's Play Excitement
Rai started the final round with a one-shot advantage over fellow Englishman Tommy Fleetwood and Danish golfer Nicolai Højgaard. He finished with a total score of 263 after a topsy-turvy, 67 closing round that included seven birdie putts and two bogeys.
Fleetwood moved a stroke ahead with two holes remaining after a birdie putt on the sixteenth, but his rival pulled level again on the 17th and then missed a 10-foot birdie attempt to claim victory on the final green.
Play-Off Climax
This led to a playoff at the Yas Links course where Rai triumphed to take the title and $1.5m (£1.13 million) in winnings.
{“Tommy is a phenomenal golfer and an even better person. To play with him the final two rounds was truly memorable,” said the winner, the present 30th-ranked player globally. “You’re so focused on your game and staying in the zone, it’s hard to put into words at the moment how it is. It is incredible to be holding the trophy.”
Notable Contenders
The Northern Irish star left himself a bit too far to make up, coming up one shot behind in a tie for third with the Dane, after a stunning 62 closing round of 62. It was his best-ever round on the DP World Tour, comprising eight birdie putts and one eagle.
The Danish golfer fired six birdies of his own, but his chances of leading the leaderboard were hit by a dropped shot on the twelfth. England’s Richard Mansell produced an excellent last round seven-under to end up in a tie for fifth place with Australia’s Hillier.
