🔗 Share this article

Aaron Rai displayed remarkable composure to secure the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on Sunday, beating Tommy Fleetwood in a dramatic play-off following a rollercoaster last day of competition.

The Englishman nailed a decisive birdie putt from just over eight foot to clinch the victory, repeating his only previous tournament success at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was likewise a playoff victory against Fleetwood.

Sunday's Play Drama

The champion started the final round with a one-shot advantage over countryman Fleetwood and Danish golfer Højgaard. He finished with a total score of twenty-under after a up-and-down, five-under closing round that included seven birdie putts and a pair of bogeys.

The challenger moved one shot clear with two holes to play after a birdie on the sixteenth, but Rai pulled level again on the 17th and then missed a 10-foot birdie attempt to win outright on the last hole.

Playoff Decider

This set up a play-off at the Yas Links course where the eventual winner triumphed to take the title and $1.5 million (£1.13m) in winnings.

{“Tommy is a world-class player and an even better individual. To play with him the last two days was truly memorable,” stated Rai, the current world No 30. “You’re so focused on playing the round and staying in the zone, it’s hard to put into words at the moment how it feels. It is incredible to be holding the trophy.”

Notable Contenders

The Northern Irish star left himself a bit too far to make up, finishing a stroke behind in a shared third place with Højgaard, after a stunning 10-under closing round of ten-under. It was McIlroy’s lowest-ever round on the DP World Tour, including eight birdie putts and one eagle.

The Danish golfer carded six birdie putts of his as well, but his hopes of topping the standings were hit by a dropped shot on the 12th. English golfer Richard Mansell produced an excellent final-round seven-under to end up tied for fifth with Australian Daniel Hillier.