The English golfer Clinches Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Dramatic Playoff Battle Against Tommy Fleetwood

Aaron Rai displayed exceptional composure to claim the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on the final day, beating his compatriot in a dramatic play-off following a rollercoaster last day of play.

The Englishman nailed a crucial birdie from just over eight feet to clinch the win, repeating his only previous tournament success at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was likewise a playoff win against Fleetwood.

Final Round Drama

The champion started the final round with a single stroke advantage over fellow Englishman Fleetwood and Denmark’s Højgaard. He finished with a overall score of 263 after a topsy-turvy, five-under closing round that included seven birdie putts and a pair of bogeys.

The challenger moved a stroke ahead with the 16th and 17th to play after a birdie putt on the sixteenth, but Rai pulled level again on the seventeenth and then failed to convert a 10-foot birdie putt to win outright on the last hole.

Playoff Decider

That set up a playoff at Yas Links where the eventual winner prevailed to claim the title and $1.5m (£1.13 million) in winnings.

{“Tommy is a phenomenal player and an even better individual. To play with him the last two days was truly memorable,” said the winner, the current 30th-ranked player globally. “You’re so focused on playing the round and maintaining focus, it’s hard to describe at the present how it is. It is incredible to be stood here.”

Other Contenders

Rory McIlroy left himself a bit too far to make up, finishing one shot short in a tie for third with Højgaard, after a spectacular 10-under closing round of 62. It was his best-ever round on the European Tour, including eight birdies and an eagle.

The Danish golfer carded six birdie putts of his own, but his hopes of topping the standings were hit by a bogey on the 12th. England’s Richard Mansell hit an superb last round seven-under to end up in a tie for fifth place with Australian Hillier.