Aaron Rai Secures the Abu Dhabi Title in Dramatic Play-Off Battle Versus Fellow Englishman Fleetwood
Aaron Rai demonstrated remarkable nerve to secure the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on the final day, defeating his compatriot in a dramatic play-off after a rollercoaster final round of play.
Rai sank a crucial birdie from just over eight feet to clinch the win, repeating his sole prior Rolex Series triumph at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was likewise a play-off win over Fleetwood.
Sunday's Play Excitement
The champion started the last day with a single stroke lead over fellow Englishman Fleetwood and Denmark’s Højgaard. He finished with a total score of twenty-under after a topsy-turvy, five-under closing round that featured seven birdie putts and two bogeys.
Fleetwood edged one shot ahead with the 16th and 17th to play after a birdie on the 16th, but Rai pulled level again on the seventeenth and then missed a 10-foot birdie attempt to win outright on the final green.
Playoff Climax
This led to a playoff at Yas Links where Rai triumphed to take the championship and $1.5m (£1.13m) in winnings.
{“Tommy is a phenomenal player and an even better individual. To compete alongside him the last two days was really special,” stated the winner, the current 30th-ranked player globally. “You’re so concentrated on playing the round and maintaining focus, it’s difficult to describe at the moment how it feels. It is amazing to be stood here.”
Other Contenders
The Northern Irish star left himself just too much to make up, coming up one shot short in a tie for third with the Dane, after a spectacular 62 final round of 62. It was his lowest-ever round on the European Tour, including eight birdie putts and one eagle.
Højgaard carded six birdie putts of his own, but his chances of topping the standings were dented by a bogey on the 12th. England’s Mansell hit an excellent last round 63 to finish in a tie for fifth place with Australian Daniel Hillier.
