Aaron Rai Wins the Abu Dhabi Title in Thrilling Play-Off Showdown Versus Tommy Fleetwood
Aaron Rai demonstrated exceptional nerve to secure the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on Sunday, beating his compatriot in a tense play-off after a topsy-turvy last day of competition.
The Englishman nailed a decisive birdie putt from just over eight foot to seal the win, repeating his only previous Rolex Series triumph at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was likewise a playoff win against the same opponent.
Sunday's Play Excitement
The champion entered the final round with a one-shot advantage over countryman Fleetwood and Denmark’s Nicolai Højgaard. He ended up with a total score of twenty-under after a topsy-turvy, 67 final round that included seven birdies and a pair of bogeys.
Fleetwood moved one shot clear with two holes remaining after a birdie putt on the 16th, but Rai pulled level again on the seventeenth and then missed a ten-foot birdie attempt to win outright on the last hole.
Playoff Climax
That led to a play-off at the Yas Links course where Rai prevailed to claim the championship and $1.5m (£1.13m) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a world-class golfer and an even better 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 playing the round and staying in the zone, it’s difficult to put into words at the moment how it is. It is incredible to be stood here.”
Other Performances
The Northern Irish star found himself a bit too far to make up, coming up a stroke short in a tie for third with the Dane, after a spectacular 10-under final round of 62. It was McIlroy’s lowest-ever round on the DP World Tour, including eight birdies and one eagle.
The Danish golfer fired six birdies of his own, but his hopes of leading the leaderboard were hit by a bogey on the twelfth. England’s Richard Mansell hit an superb final-round 63 to end up tied for fifth with Australia’s Hillier.
