The English golfer Wins Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Thrilling Playoff Showdown Versus Tommy Fleetwood
The 30-year-old golfer displayed exceptional composure to secure the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on the final day, defeating Tommy Fleetwood in a dramatic playoff following a topsy-turvy final round of play.
Rai sank a decisive birdie from around eight foot to seal the victory, echoing his only previous tournament triumph at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was likewise a play-off win over the same opponent.
Sunday's Play Drama
The champion entered the final round with a single stroke lead over countryman Tommy 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 birdie putts and a pair of bogeys.
The challenger moved one shot clear with two holes remaining after a birdie putt on the sixteenth, but his rival tied it up again on the seventeenth and then missed a 10-foot birdie attempt to win outright on the last hole.
Playoff Climax
That led to a play-off at Yas Links where Rai triumphed to take the championship and $1.5 million (£1.13m) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a world-class player and an even better individual. To play with him the final two rounds was really special,” said Rai, the present 30th-ranked player globally. “You’re so concentrated on your game and maintaining focus, it’s difficult to put into words at the present how it feels. It is amazing to be stood here.”
Notable Performances
Rory McIlroy left himself a bit too far to make up, coming up one shot behind in a tie for third with the Dane, after a stunning 62 final round of 62. It was his lowest-ever score on the DP World Tour, comprising eight birdie putts and one eagle.
The Danish golfer carded six birdies of his as well, but his chances of leading the standings were hit by a dropped shot on the 12th. England’s Mansell hit an excellent final-round 63 to end up tied for fifth with Australian Hillier.
