Aaron Rai Wins the Abu Dhabi Title in Thrilling Play-Off Showdown Versus Tommy Fleetwood
Aaron Rai displayed remarkable nerve to claim the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on the final day, defeating his compatriot in a dramatic playoff after a topsy-turvy last day of play.
Rai nailed a crucial birdie putt from around eight feet to seal the win, repeating his only previous Rolex Series triumph at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was also a play-off win over Fleetwood.
Sunday's Play Excitement
Rai started the final round with a one-shot advantage over countryman Tommy Fleetwood and Denmark’s Nicolai Højgaard. He ended up with a overall score of 263 after a up-and-down, 67 final round that featured seven birdie putts and two bogeys.
Fleetwood edged a stroke clear with the 16th and 17th to play after a birdie putt on the sixteenth, but Rai pulled level again on the 17th and then failed to convert a 10-foot birdie putt to win outright on the final green.
Playoff Decider
This led to a play-off at the Yas Links course where the eventual winner prevailed to take the championship and $1.5 million (£1.13m) in winnings.
{“Tommy is a phenomenal player and an even better individual. To compete alongside him the final two rounds was truly memorable,” said Rai, the present world No 30. “You’re so concentrated on your game and staying in the zone, it’s hard to describe at the present how it feels. It is amazing to be stood here.”
Other Performances
The Northern Irish star left himself just too much to make up, coming up a stroke short 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, comprising eight birdies and one eagle.
Højgaard carded six birdie putts of his as well, but his hopes of leading the leaderboard were hit by a bogey on the twelfth. English golfer Richard Mansell produced an superb last round seven-under to end up in a tie for fifth place with Australian Hillier.
