The English golfer Secures Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Dramatic Play-Off Showdown Versus Fellow Englishman Fleetwood
The 30-year-old golfer displayed exceptional nerve to secure the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on the final day, defeating his compatriot in a dramatic playoff after a rollercoaster final round of competition.
Rai nailed a decisive birdie from just over eight foot to clinch the victory, repeating his sole prior Rolex Series triumph at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was likewise a play-off win over Fleetwood.
Sunday's Play Excitement
The champion entered the last day with a one-shot lead over fellow Englishman Fleetwood and Danish golfer Nicolai Højgaard. He finished with a overall score of 263 after a up-and-down, five-under closing round that featured seven birdie putts and a pair of bogeys.
Fleetwood edged a stroke clear with the 16th and 17th to play after a birdie on the sixteenth, but Rai tied it up again on the seventeenth and then failed to convert a ten-foot birdie attempt to claim victory on the last hole.
Playoff Decider
That set up a play-off at the Yas Links course where Rai prevailed to claim the title and $1.5m (£1.13 million) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a world-class player and an even more person. To compete alongside him the last two days was really special,” said Rai, 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 present how it is. It is amazing to be stood here.”
Notable Performances
The Northern Irish star left himself just too much to do, finishing one shot behind in a tie for third with the Dane, after a stunning 62 closing round of ten-under. It was his best-ever round on the DP World Tour, comprising eight birdie putts and one eagle.
Højgaard fired six birdies of his as well, but his chances of leading the standings were hit by a dropped shot on the 12th. English golfer Mansell hit an superb last round 63 to end up tied for fifth with Australia’s Daniel Hillier.