The English golfer Clinches Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Dramatic Playoff Battle Versus Tommy Fleetwood
The 30-year-old golfer demonstrated remarkable nerve to secure the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on Sunday, defeating Tommy Fleetwood in a dramatic play-off after a rollercoaster last day of play.
The Englishman nailed a crucial birdie putt from around eight feet to seal the win, echoing his only previous tournament success at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was also a playoff win over the same opponent.
Sunday's Play Drama
The champion entered the last day with a one-shot lead over fellow Englishman Fleetwood and Danish golfer Nicolai Højgaard. He ended up with a total score of 263 after a up-and-down, five-under final round that included seven birdies and two bogeys.
Fleetwood moved a stroke ahead with two holes to play after a birdie on the 16th, but Rai tied it up again on the 17th and then failed to convert a ten-foot birdie putt to claim victory on the final green.
Play-Off Climax
This led to a play-off at the Yas Links course where Rai triumphed to claim the championship and $1.5 million (£1.13 million) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a world-class player and an even better person. To compete alongside him the last two days was truly memorable,” said the winner, the present 30th-ranked player globally. “You’re so concentrated on playing the round and staying in the zone, it’s hard to describe at the present how it feels. It is amazing to be holding the trophy.”
Notable Contenders
The Northern Irish star left himself just too much to make up, finishing a stroke short in a shared third place with the Dane, after a stunning 10-under closing round of ten-under. It was McIlroy’s lowest-ever round on the European Tour, comprising eight birdies and an eagle.
The Danish golfer fired six birdie putts of his own, but his chances of topping the standings were hit by a bogey on the twelfth. English golfer Richard Mansell produced an superb final-round seven-under to finish tied for fifth with Australia’s Hillier.
