Aaron Rai Wins the Abu Dhabi Title in Dramatic Playoff Battle Against Tommy Fleetwood
The 30-year-old golfer displayed exceptional nerve to secure the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on the final day, beating Tommy Fleetwood in a dramatic playoff following a topsy-turvy last day of competition.
The Englishman sank a decisive birdie from just over eight foot to seal the victory, echoing his sole prior Rolex Series success at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was also a play-off win over the same opponent.
Final Round Excitement
The champion started the final round with a one-shot advantage over fellow Englishman Tommy Fleetwood and Denmark’s Nicolai Højgaard. He ended up with a total score of twenty-under after a topsy-turvy, five-under final round that featured seven birdies and two bogeys.
The challenger edged one shot clear with two holes remaining after a birdie on the sixteenth, but Rai pulled level again on the 17th and then failed to convert a ten-foot birdie attempt to claim victory on the final hole.
Play-Off Decider
That set up a playoff at Yas Links where Rai triumphed to take the title and $1.5 million (£1.13 million) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a phenomenal player and an even more individual. To compete alongside him the last two days was really special,” said the winner, the current world No 30. “You’re so focused on your game 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.”
Notable Performances
Rory McIlroy found himself just too much to make up, coming up a stroke behind in a shared third place with Højgaard, after a stunning 62 final round of 62. It was his lowest-ever round on the European Tour, including eight birdie putts and an eagle.
Højgaard fired six birdies of his own, but his hopes of leading the leaderboard were hit by a dropped shot on the 12th. England’s Richard Mansell produced an excellent final-round 63 to end up in a tie for fifth place with Australia’s Hillier.
