The English golfer Clinches the Abu Dhabi Title in Dramatic Play-Off Showdown Against Tommy Fleetwood
The 30-year-old golfer demonstrated remarkable composure to claim the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on the final day, defeating his compatriot in a dramatic playoff after a rollercoaster final round of competition.
Rai sank a decisive birdie from just over eight foot to seal the win, repeating his sole prior tournament success at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was also a play-off victory over the same opponent.
Final Round Drama
Rai started the last day with a one-shot advantage over fellow Englishman Tommy Fleetwood and Denmark’s Højgaard. He finished with a total score of 263 after a up-and-down, 67 closing round that included seven birdie putts and two bogeys.
The challenger moved one shot clear with two holes to play after a birdie putt on the 16th, but his rival tied it up again on the seventeenth and then failed to convert a ten-foot birdie putt to claim victory on the last hole.
Play-Off Decider
That led to a play-off at the Yas Links course where the eventual winner prevailed to take the championship and $1.5 million (£1.13m) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a phenomenal player and an even better individual. To play with him the final two rounds was really special,” said the winner, the current world No 30. “You’re so concentrated on playing the round and maintaining focus, it’s difficult to describe at the moment how it is. It is incredible to be stood here.”
Notable Contenders
Rory McIlroy found himself just too much to make up, coming up one shot behind in a tie for third with the Dane, after a spectacular 10-under final round of 62. It was McIlroy’s best-ever round on the DP World Tour, including eight birdies and an eagle.
Højgaard carded six birdies of his as well, but his chances of topping the leaderboard were dented by a dropped shot on the twelfth. English golfer Mansell hit an superb last round seven-under to finish tied for fifth with Australian Daniel Hillier.
