The English golfer Secures Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Thrilling Play-Off Showdown Versus Tommy Fleetwood
The 30-year-old golfer displayed remarkable nerve to secure the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on the final day, beating Tommy Fleetwood in a dramatic play-off following a rollercoaster final round of competition.
The Englishman nailed a decisive birdie from just over eight foot to seal the victory, repeating his only previous Rolex Series success at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was likewise a play-off victory against the same opponent.
Sunday's Play Drama
The champion started the final round with a one-shot lead over fellow Englishman Tommy Fleetwood and Denmark’s Højgaard. He finished with a overall score of twenty-under after a topsy-turvy, five-under final round that included seven birdies and two bogeys.
The challenger edged a stroke ahead with the 16th and 17th to play after a birdie on the 16th, but his rival tied it up again on the 17th and then missed a ten-foot birdie attempt to claim victory on the last hole.
Play-Off Decider
This led to a playoff at the Yas Links course where Rai triumphed to take the title and $1.5 million (£1.13m) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a phenomenal player and an even more person. To play with him the last two days was really special,” 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 feels. It is amazing to be holding the trophy.”
Other Contenders
Rory McIlroy left himself just too much to do, coming up one shot short in a shared third place with Højgaard, after a spectacular 62 closing round of ten-under. It was McIlroy’s lowest-ever round on the DP World Tour, including eight birdies and an eagle.
Højgaard fired six birdie putts of his as well, but his hopes of topping the standings were hit by a bogey on the 12th. England’s Mansell hit an excellent last round 63 to finish in a tie for fifth place with Australia’s Hillier.
