The English golfer Clinches Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Dramatic Play-Off Showdown Against Tommy Fleetwood
The 30-year-old golfer displayed remarkable nerve to claim the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on the final day, defeating his compatriot in a tense playoff after a topsy-turvy last day of play.
The Englishman nailed a crucial birdie from around eight foot to clinch the win, echoing his sole prior Rolex Series success at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was likewise a play-off win against Fleetwood.
Sunday's Play Drama
Rai entered the last day with a one-shot advantage over fellow Englishman Tommy Fleetwood and Denmark’s Højgaard. He finished with a overall score of twenty-under after a up-and-down, 67 closing round that included seven birdies and a pair of bogeys.
The challenger moved one shot ahead with the 16th and 17th remaining after a birdie putt on the 16th, but Rai pulled level again on the seventeenth and then failed to convert a 10-foot birdie putt to claim victory on the final green.
Playoff Decider
This set up a play-off at the Yas Links course where the eventual winner prevailed to claim the title and $1.5 million (£1.13 million) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a world-class golfer and an even more person. To compete alongside him the last two days was truly memorable,” said Rai, the current world No 30. “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 stood here.”
Other Performances
The Northern Irish star found himself just too much to make up, finishing one shot behind in a shared third place with the Dane, after a spectacular 62 closing round of 62. It was his best-ever round on the DP World Tour, including eight birdies and an eagle.
The Danish golfer fired six birdie putts of his as well, but his chances of leading the leaderboard were dented by a bogey on the 12th. English golfer Mansell hit an superb last round seven-under to finish in a tie for fifth place with Australia’s Daniel Hillier.
