Aaron Rai Wins the Abu Dhabi Title in Thrilling Playoff Battle Against Fellow Englishman Fleetwood
Aaron Rai demonstrated remarkable composure to secure the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on Sunday, beating his compatriot in a tense play-off following a topsy-turvy final round of competition.
The Englishman sank a decisive birdie putt from around eight foot to clinch the win, repeating his sole prior Rolex Series success at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was likewise a play-off win against Fleetwood.
Sunday's Play Drama
The champion started the last day with a single stroke lead over countryman Tommy Fleetwood and Denmark’s Nicolai Højgaard. He ended up with a overall score of twenty-under after a topsy-turvy, 67 final round that included seven birdies and two bogeys.
The challenger moved a stroke clear with the 16th and 17th remaining after a birdie on the 16th, but Rai tied it up again on the seventeenth and then missed a 10-foot birdie attempt to win outright on the final green.
Play-Off Decider
This led to a play-off at Yas Links where Rai triumphed to claim the title and $1.5 million (£1.13m) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a phenomenal golfer and an even more individual. To compete alongside him the last two days was truly memorable,” said the winner, the present world No 30. “You’re so focused on your game and staying in the zone, it’s hard to put into words at the moment how it is. It is incredible to be stood here.”
Other Contenders
The Northern Irish star found himself a bit too far to make up, coming up one shot behind in a tie for third with Højgaard, after a stunning 10-under final round of 62. It was McIlroy’s best-ever round on the DP World Tour, comprising eight birdie putts and an eagle.
Højgaard fired six birdies of his as well, but his chances of leading the leaderboard were dented by a dropped shot on the twelfth. English golfer Richard Mansell produced an excellent final-round 63 to finish tied for fifth with Australia’s Daniel Hillier.
