The English golfer Clinches Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Thrilling Play-Off Showdown Against Tommy Fleetwood
The 30-year-old golfer demonstrated exceptional nerve to claim the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on the final day, beating his compatriot in a dramatic playoff following a rollercoaster last day of play.
Rai sank a crucial birdie putt from just over eight foot to seal the win, repeating his sole prior Rolex Series success at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was likewise a playoff victory over the same opponent.
Sunday's Play Drama
Rai entered the final round with a single stroke advantage over countryman Tommy Fleetwood and Denmark’s Højgaard. He ended up with a overall score of 263 after a up-and-down, 67 final round that included seven birdies and two bogeys.
Fleetwood moved one shot clear 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 putt to claim victory on the last hole.
Playoff Climax
That set up a playoff at the Yas Links course where the eventual winner triumphed to take the championship and $1.5m (£1.13 million) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a world-class player and an even more person. To play with him the final two rounds was really special,” stated the winner, 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 is. It is amazing to be holding the trophy.”
Notable Performances
Rory McIlroy found himself a bit too far to do, finishing a stroke behind in a shared third place with the Dane, after a stunning 62 final round of ten-under. It was his best-ever score on the DP World Tour, comprising eight birdie putts and an eagle.
The Danish golfer carded six birdie putts of his own, but his chances of topping the leaderboard were dented by a dropped shot on the 12th. England’s Mansell produced an excellent final-round 63 to end up tied for fifth with Australian Daniel Hillier.
