The English golfer Wins Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Dramatic Playoff Showdown Versus Tommy Fleetwood
The 30-year-old golfer displayed remarkable nerve to secure the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on the final day, defeating Tommy Fleetwood in a dramatic play-off after a topsy-turvy last day of competition.
The Englishman nailed a decisive birdie from just over eight foot to seal the victory, repeating his only previous Rolex Series triumph at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was likewise a play-off victory over Fleetwood.
Sunday's Play Drama
Rai entered the last day with a one-shot advantage over countryman Fleetwood and Denmark’s Højgaard. He ended up with a total score of 263 after a up-and-down, five-under 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 pulled level again on the seventeenth and then failed to convert a 10-foot birdie attempt to claim victory on the last green.
Playoff Decider
This led to a play-off at Yas Links where Rai prevailed to take the championship and $1.5m (£1.13 million) in winnings.
{“Tommy is a world-class player and an even better person. To compete alongside him the last two days was really special,” said Rai, the current 30th-ranked player globally. “You’re so focused on your game and maintaining focus, 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 found himself a bit too far to make up, coming up one shot behind in a shared third place with the Dane, after a stunning 10-under closing round of 62. It was McIlroy’s lowest-ever score on the DP World Tour, including eight birdies and one eagle.
Højgaard carded six birdies of his own, but his hopes of leading the standings were dented by a bogey on the twelfth. England’s Mansell hit an superb final-round 63 to end up tied for fifth with Australia’s Daniel Hillier.
