Aaron Rai Wins 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 Sunday, defeating his compatriot in a dramatic play-off following a topsy-turvy final round of competition.
Rai sank a crucial birdie from around eight feet to clinch the victory, echoing his sole prior tournament triumph at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was also a playoff win over Fleetwood.
Final Round Drama
The champion entered the final round with a one-shot advantage over fellow Englishman Fleetwood and Denmark’s Nicolai Højgaard. He ended up with a overall score of 263 after a up-and-down, 67 closing round that featured seven birdie putts and two bogeys.
Fleetwood moved a stroke ahead with two holes to play after a birdie putt on the sixteenth, but Rai pulled level again on the 17th and then missed a 10-foot birdie putt to win outright on the final hole.
Playoff Decider
This led to a play-off at the Yas Links course where the eventual winner prevailed to claim the title and $1.5 million (£1.13m) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a phenomenal player and an even better person. To play with him the final two rounds was really special,” stated Rai, the present world No 30. “You’re so concentrated on playing the round and staying in the zone, it’s hard to describe at the present how it feels. It is incredible to be stood here.”
Notable Performances
Rory McIlroy found himself just too much to do, finishing a stroke short in a shared third place with the Dane, after a stunning 62 closing round of 62. It was McIlroy’s best-ever round on the European Tour, comprising eight birdie putts and an eagle.
The Danish golfer fired six birdie putts of his own, but his hopes of topping the standings were hit by a bogey on the 12th. England’s Mansell hit an superb last round seven-under to end up in a tie for fifth place with Australian Daniel Hillier.
