The English golfer Clinches Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Dramatic Playoff Battle Against Tommy Fleetwood
The 30-year-old golfer displayed remarkable nerve to secure the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on Sunday, beating Tommy Fleetwood in a dramatic play-off after a topsy-turvy last day of competition.
Rai nailed a crucial birdie from just over eight feet to seal the win, repeating his only previous tournament success at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was likewise a play-off victory against the same opponent.
Final Round Drama
Rai started the final round with a one-shot advantage over countryman Fleetwood and Danish golfer Nicolai Højgaard. He finished with a overall score of twenty-under after a up-and-down, 67 closing round that included seven birdie putts and two bogeys.
The challenger moved one shot clear with two holes to play after a birdie putt on the 16th, but Rai tied it up again on the 17th and then failed to convert a 10-foot birdie attempt to claim victory on the final hole.
Play-Off Climax
This set up a play-off at Yas Links where Rai prevailed to claim the title and $1.5 million (£1.13m) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a phenomenal player and an even more person. To compete alongside him the last two days was really special,” stated the winner, the current world No 30. “You’re so focused on your game and maintaining focus, it’s hard to describe at the present how it feels. It is amazing to be stood here.”
Notable Contenders
Rory McIlroy left himself just too much to make up, finishing one shot behind in a shared third place with the Dane, after a spectacular 62 closing round of 62. It was McIlroy’s best-ever round on the European Tour, including eight birdie putts and an eagle.
Højgaard fired six birdies of his own, but his hopes of leading the standings were dented by a bogey on the twelfth. England’s Richard Mansell produced an superb last round seven-under to end up tied for fifth with Australia’s Hillier.
