The English golfer Wins the Abu Dhabi Title in Thrilling Playoff Showdown Versus Fellow Englishman Fleetwood
The 30-year-old golfer demonstrated exceptional nerve to secure the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on the final day, defeating his compatriot in a dramatic play-off after a topsy-turvy last day of play.
Rai nailed a crucial birdie from around eight feet to seal the win, repeating his sole prior Rolex Series success at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was likewise a play-off win against the same opponent.
Sunday's Play Drama
The champion started the final round with a single stroke lead over fellow Englishman Tommy Fleetwood and Danish golfer Højgaard. He ended up with a overall score of 263 after a up-and-down, 67 closing round that included seven birdies and two bogeys.
The challenger moved a stroke clear with the 16th and 17th remaining after a birdie on the sixteenth, but Rai tied it up again on the 17th and then failed to convert a 10-foot birdie putt to claim victory on the final hole.
Playoff Decider
This set up a play-off at the Yas Links course where the eventual winner triumphed to claim the title and $1.5m (£1.13m) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a phenomenal golfer and an even more person. To compete alongside him the final two rounds was truly memorable,” stated the winner, the current 30th-ranked player globally. “You’re so concentrated on playing the round and maintaining focus, it’s hard to describe at the present how it is. It is amazing to be stood here.”
Notable Contenders
Rory McIlroy left himself just too much to do, coming up one shot behind in a tie for third with the Dane, after a spectacular 10-under closing round of ten-under. It was his lowest-ever round on the DP World Tour, including eight birdies and an eagle.
Højgaard carded six birdies of his own, but his chances of topping the leaderboard were dented by a bogey on the 12th. England’s Mansell hit an excellent final-round seven-under to end up in a tie for fifth place with Australia’s Daniel Hillier.
