Aaron Rai Wins the Abu Dhabi Title in Dramatic Play-Off Battle Versus Fellow Englishman Fleetwood
The 30-year-old golfer displayed exceptional nerve to secure the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on the final day, beating his compatriot in a dramatic playoff after a rollercoaster last day of play.
Rai nailed a crucial birdie putt from around eight feet to seal the victory, echoing his sole prior tournament success at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was also a playoff victory against the same opponent.
Final Round Drama
Rai entered the final round with a one-shot lead over countryman Fleetwood and Danish golfer Nicolai Højgaard. He ended up with a overall score of 263 after a up-and-down, five-under closing round that featured seven birdies and a pair of bogeys.
The challenger moved a stroke clear with two holes to play after a birdie putt on the sixteenth, but Rai tied it up again on the 17th and then failed to convert a ten-foot birdie attempt to claim victory on the last green.
Playoff Climax
This set up a play-off at the Yas Links course where the eventual winner prevailed to claim the title and $1.5 million (£1.13m) in winnings.
{“Tommy is a world-class player and an even more individual. To compete alongside him the last two days was truly memorable,” said Rai, the current 30th-ranked player globally. “You’re so focused on playing the round and staying in the zone, it’s difficult to describe at the present how it feels. It is amazing to be holding the trophy.”
Other Contenders
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 62 final round of ten-under. It was McIlroy’s lowest-ever score on the DP World Tour, including eight birdie putts and one eagle.
The Danish golfer carded six birdies of his as well, but his chances of leading the leaderboard were hit by a dropped shot on the twelfth. English golfer Mansell hit an superb final-round 63 to end up in a tie for fifth place with Australian Hillier.