The English golfer Secures Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Thrilling Playoff Showdown Versus Tommy Fleetwood
The 30-year-old golfer displayed exceptional nerve to claim the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on the final day, defeating his compatriot in a tense play-off after a topsy-turvy last day of play.
The Englishman nailed a crucial birdie putt from around eight foot to clinch the victory, repeating his only previous tournament triumph at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was also a play-off victory against Fleetwood.
Final Round Drama
Rai started the final round with a one-shot lead over fellow Englishman Fleetwood and Denmark’s Højgaard. He ended up with a overall score of 263 after a up-and-down, five-under closing round that featured seven birdie putts and two bogeys.
Fleetwood edged a stroke ahead with two holes to play after a birdie putt on the sixteenth, but his rival pulled level again on the 17th and then missed a 10-foot birdie attempt to claim victory on the last green.
Playoff Climax
That set up a play-off at Yas Links where the eventual winner prevailed to take the title and $1.5m (£1.13m) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a phenomenal golfer and an even more person. To compete alongside him the final two rounds was really special,” said Rai, the current 30th-ranked player globally. “You’re so focused on your game and maintaining focus, it’s difficult to put into words at the moment how it feels. It is amazing to be stood here.”
Other Contenders
Rory McIlroy left himself just too much to do, finishing a stroke short in a shared third place with Højgaard, after a stunning 10-under final round of 62. It was McIlroy’s lowest-ever round on the European Tour, including eight birdies and an eagle.
Højgaard carded six birdie putts of his as well, but his chances of topping the leaderboard were hit by a dropped shot on the twelfth. English golfer Mansell hit an superb final-round 63 to end up tied for fifth with Australian Hillier.
