The English golfer Wins Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Thrilling Play-Off Battle Versus Tommy Fleetwood
The 30-year-old golfer displayed exceptional composure to secure the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on the final day, defeating Tommy Fleetwood in a tense play-off following a topsy-turvy final round of play.
The Englishman nailed a crucial birdie from just over eight foot to seal the win, echoing his only previous tournament triumph at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was also a play-off win over Fleetwood.
Final Round Drama
Rai entered the last day with a single stroke advantage over fellow Englishman Tommy Fleetwood and Denmark’s Højgaard. He ended up with a total score of 263 after a up-and-down, five-under final round that included seven birdies and two bogeys.
The challenger moved one shot clear with the 16th and 17th to play after a birdie putt on the 16th, but his rival pulled level again on the 17th and then failed to convert a 10-foot birdie attempt to win outright on the last green.
Play-Off Climax
This led to a play-off at the Yas Links course where the eventual winner prevailed to claim the title and $1.5m (£1.13m) in winnings.
{“Tommy is a phenomenal player and an even more individual. To compete alongside him the final two rounds was really special,” stated Rai, the current world No 30. “You’re so focused on your game and maintaining focus, it’s hard to describe at the moment how it feels. It is incredible to be holding the trophy.”
Other Performances
Rory McIlroy found himself a bit too far to make up, coming up a stroke short in a tie for third with Højgaard, after a stunning 62 closing round of ten-under. It was McIlroy’s lowest-ever round on the DP World Tour, including eight birdies and one eagle.
Højgaard fired six birdies of his own, but his hopes of leading the leaderboard were hit by a bogey on the twelfth. English golfer Mansell hit an excellent final-round 63 to end up in a tie for fifth place with Australian Daniel Hillier.
