The English golfer Secures Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Thrilling Play-Off Battle Versus Fellow Englishman Fleetwood
The 30-year-old golfer displayed remarkable nerve to secure the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on Sunday, beating his compatriot in a tense play-off following a topsy-turvy final round of play.
The Englishman nailed a decisive birdie putt from just over eight foot to seal the win, repeating his sole prior Rolex Series triumph at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was also a play-off win over Fleetwood.
Final Round Excitement
Rai started the last day with a one-shot advantage over countryman Fleetwood and Danish golfer Nicolai Højgaard. He finished with a overall score of 263 after a up-and-down, 67 closing round that included seven birdie putts and a pair of bogeys.
The challenger moved one shot ahead with the 16th and 17th to play after a birdie on the sixteenth, but Rai tied it up again on the 17th and then missed a 10-foot birdie putt to win outright on the last green.
Play-Off Climax
This set up a play-off at Yas Links where Rai triumphed to take the title and $1.5m (£1.13 million) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a world-class player and an even more individual. To play with him the last two days was really special,” said the winner, the current world No 30. “You’re so concentrated on your game and maintaining focus, it’s hard to describe at the present how it feels. It is incredible to be holding the trophy.”
Other Performances
The Northern Irish star left himself a bit too far to do, coming up a stroke short in a tie for third with Højgaard, after a stunning 62 closing round of ten-under. It was McIlroy’s best-ever round on the European Tour, comprising eight birdie putts and one eagle.
The Danish golfer carded six birdie putts of his as well, but his chances of topping the leaderboard were dented by a bogey on the 12th. England’s Mansell hit an excellent last round 63 to end up in a tie for fifth place with Australian Daniel Hillier.
