Aaron Rai Secures the Abu Dhabi Title in Dramatic Play-Off Showdown Versus Tommy Fleetwood
Aaron Rai demonstrated remarkable composure to claim the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on the final day, defeating Tommy Fleetwood in a tense play-off following a rollercoaster final round of play.
The Englishman nailed a decisive birdie putt from around eight foot to seal the victory, repeating his sole prior Rolex Series triumph at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was also a play-off victory over Fleetwood.
Sunday's Play Drama
Rai started the last day with a single stroke advantage over countryman Fleetwood and Danish golfer Højgaard. He finished with a total score of twenty-under after a topsy-turvy, 67 final round that included seven birdies and a pair of 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 claim victory on the final hole.
Playoff Climax
That set up a play-off at the Yas Links course where the eventual winner triumphed to claim the title and $1.5 million (£1.13 million) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a phenomenal golfer and an even more individual. To compete alongside him the last two days was truly memorable,” stated the winner, the current 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 amazing to be stood here.”
Other Performances
The Northern Irish star found himself a bit too far to do, finishing one shot short in a shared third place with the Dane, after a spectacular 10-under closing round of ten-under. It was his lowest-ever round on the European Tour, including eight birdies and an eagle.
Højgaard fired six birdie putts of his as well, but his hopes of topping the standings were hit by a dropped shot on the 12th. English golfer Mansell hit an excellent last round seven-under to finish tied for fifth with Australia’s Hillier.
