Aaron Rai Wins the Abu Dhabi Title in Thrilling Play-Off Battle Against Fellow Englishman Fleetwood
Aaron Rai demonstrated remarkable composure to claim the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on the final day, beating his compatriot in a tense playoff following a topsy-turvy final round of competition.
Rai nailed a decisive birdie putt from just over eight foot to clinch the win, echoing his only previous Rolex Series success at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was also a playoff victory against Fleetwood.
Sunday's Play Drama
Rai entered the last day with a one-shot advantage over countryman Fleetwood and Danish golfer Højgaard. He finished with a total score of 263 after a topsy-turvy, 67 final round that featured seven birdies and two bogeys.
Fleetwood moved one shot clear with the 16th and 17th remaining after a birdie putt on the 16th, but his rival tied it up again on the 17th and then failed to convert a ten-foot birdie attempt to win outright on the final green.
Play-Off Climax
This set up a play-off at Yas Links where the eventual winner prevailed to take the title and $1.5m (£1.13 million) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a phenomenal player and an even more person. To compete alongside him the last two days was really special,” stated Rai, the current 30th-ranked player globally. “You’re so focused on your game and maintaining focus, it’s hard to put into words at the moment how it is. It is amazing to be stood here.”
Notable Performances
The Northern Irish star left himself a bit too far to make up, coming up a stroke behind in a tie for third with the Dane, after a stunning 62 final round of ten-under. It was McIlroy’s best-ever score on the DP World Tour, including eight birdie putts and an eagle.
Højgaard fired six birdies of his own, but his chances of topping the leaderboard were hit by a dropped shot on the twelfth. England’s Richard Mansell hit an excellent final-round seven-under to end up tied for fifth with Australian Hillier.
