The English golfer Clinches the Abu Dhabi Title in Thrilling Playoff Battle Versus Tommy Fleetwood
The 30-year-old golfer displayed remarkable composure to claim the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on Sunday, defeating his compatriot in a dramatic play-off following a rollercoaster final round of play.
Rai sank a decisive birdie from around eight feet to seal the victory, echoing his sole prior tournament triumph at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was likewise a playoff victory over Fleetwood.
Sunday's Play Excitement
The champion entered the last day with a single stroke lead over countryman Fleetwood and Danish golfer Højgaard. He finished with a total score of twenty-under after a topsy-turvy, 67 closing round that featured seven birdies and two bogeys.
Fleetwood edged a stroke clear with the 16th and 17th remaining after a birdie on the 16th, but Rai tied it up again on the seventeenth and then missed a 10-foot birdie attempt to claim victory on the final hole.
Playoff Climax
That set up a playoff at Yas Links where the eventual winner triumphed to take the title and $1.5 million (£1.13 million) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a world-class golfer and an even more individual. To compete alongside him the final two rounds was really special,” said the winner, the present world No 30. “You’re so focused on your game and staying in the zone, it’s hard to put into words at the moment how it feels. It is incredible to be holding the trophy.”
Other Performances
The Northern Irish star found himself just too much to make up, coming up one shot behind in a tie for third with the Dane, after a stunning 10-under final round of ten-under. It was his lowest-ever score on the European Tour, comprising eight birdie putts and an eagle.
Højgaard fired six birdie putts of his as well, but his chances of topping the standings were dented by a dropped shot on the 12th. English golfer Richard Mansell produced an excellent last round 63 to end up in a tie for fifth place with Australian Hillier.
