The English golfer Clinches Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Dramatic Play-Off Battle Versus Tommy Fleetwood
The 30-year-old golfer demonstrated remarkable nerve to claim the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on Sunday, defeating Tommy Fleetwood in a dramatic playoff after a rollercoaster final round of competition.
Rai sank a crucial birdie from just over eight foot to seal the victory, repeating his only previous Rolex Series success at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was likewise a playoff win over Fleetwood.
Final Round Excitement
Rai entered the last day with a single stroke lead over fellow Englishman Tommy Fleetwood and Denmark’s Højgaard. He ended up with a total score of twenty-under after a up-and-down, 67 closing round that featured seven birdie putts and a pair of bogeys.
Fleetwood edged a stroke clear with two holes remaining after a birdie putt on the 16th, but Rai pulled level again on the seventeenth and then missed a 10-foot birdie attempt to claim victory on the final green.
Play-Off Decider
This led to a play-off at Yas Links where the eventual winner prevailed to take the title and $1.5m (ÂŁ1.13 million) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a world-class player and an even more person. To play with him the last two days was really special,” said the winner, the present 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 feels. It is incredible to be holding the trophy.”
Other Contenders
Rory McIlroy found himself a bit too far to do, coming up one shot behind in a tie for third with the Dane, after a spectacular 62 final round of 62. It was his lowest-ever round on the DP World Tour, comprising eight birdies and an eagle.
The Danish golfer fired six birdies of his as well, but his hopes of leading the leaderboard were hit by a dropped shot on the twelfth. English golfer Mansell hit an excellent final-round 63 to finish tied for fifth with Australian Daniel Hillier.
