The English golfer Clinches Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Dramatic Playoff Showdown Against Fellow Englishman Fleetwood
The 30-year-old golfer demonstrated remarkable nerve to claim the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on the final day, beating Tommy Fleetwood in a dramatic play-off after a topsy-turvy final round of play.
The Englishman sank a crucial birdie putt from around eight feet to clinch the win, 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 last day with a single stroke advantage over countryman Fleetwood and Danish golfer Højgaard. He ended up with a overall score of 263 after a topsy-turvy, 67 closing round that featured seven birdie putts and two bogeys.
The challenger moved one shot ahead with the 16th and 17th remaining after a birdie on the 16th, but Rai pulled level again on the 17th and then failed to convert a 10-foot birdie putt to win outright on the final hole.
Playoff Climax
That led to a playoff at the Yas Links course where the eventual winner triumphed to claim the championship and $1.5m (£1.13m) in winnings.
{“Tommy is a phenomenal player and an even more individual. To compete alongside him the last two days was truly memorable,” said Rai, the present 30th-ranked player globally. “You’re so focused on playing the round and maintaining focus, it’s hard to put into words at the present how it feels. It is amazing to be stood here.”
Notable Performances
Rory McIlroy left himself just too much to do, finishing a stroke short in a shared third place with the Dane, after a spectacular 10-under final round of ten-under. It was his best-ever round on the DP World Tour, including eight birdies and an eagle.
The Danish golfer carded six birdies of his as well, but his chances of topping the leaderboard were dented by a dropped shot on the 12th. English golfer Mansell hit an excellent last round 63 to end up tied for fifth with Australia’s Daniel Hillier.
