The English golfer Wins Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Dramatic Playoff Showdown Against Fellow Englishman Fleetwood
The 30-year-old golfer displayed remarkable composure to secure the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on the final day, defeating Tommy Fleetwood in a tense play-off after a topsy-turvy last day of play.
The Englishman nailed a decisive birdie from around eight foot to clinch the win, repeating his sole prior Rolex Series success at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was also a play-off victory over the same opponent.
Sunday's Play Drama
Rai entered the last day with a single stroke advantage over fellow Englishman Fleetwood and Danish golfer Højgaard. He finished with a overall score of 263 after a up-and-down, five-under final round that featured seven birdie putts and a pair of bogeys.
The challenger moved 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 claim victory on the last green.
Playoff Decider
This led to a playoff at the Yas Links course where Rai triumphed to take the championship and $1.5 million (£1.13 million) in winnings.
{“Tommy is a phenomenal player and an even more person. To compete alongside him the final two rounds was truly memorable,” said the winner, the current 30th-ranked player globally. “You’re so focused on your game and maintaining focus, it’s difficult to describe at the present how it feels. It is amazing to be stood here.”
Other Contenders
Rory McIlroy left himself a bit too far to make up, coming up a stroke short in a shared third place with the Dane, after a stunning 62 final round of ten-under. It was McIlroy’s lowest-ever score on the European Tour, comprising eight birdie putts and one eagle.
Højgaard carded six birdie putts of his as well, but his chances of leading the standings were dented by a dropped shot on the 12th. England’s Richard Mansell produced an superb final-round 63 to end up in a tie for fifth place with Australian Hillier.
