The English golfer Clinches the Abu Dhabi Title in Dramatic Play-Off Battle Against Fellow Englishman Fleetwood
The 30-year-old golfer displayed remarkable nerve to claim the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on Sunday, defeating his compatriot in a tense playoff after a topsy-turvy final round of play.
Rai nailed a crucial birdie putt from just over eight foot to clinch the victory, repeating his only previous tournament triumph at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was likewise a play-off victory against the same opponent.
Sunday's Play Excitement
Rai started the final round with a one-shot advantage over countryman 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 birdies and a pair of bogeys.
Fleetwood edged one shot clear with the 16th and 17th remaining after a birdie putt on the 16th, but Rai pulled level again on the 17th and then failed to convert a 10-foot birdie putt to win outright on the last hole.
Playoff Climax
That set up a playoff at Yas Links where the eventual winner triumphed to claim the championship and $1.5m (£1.13 million) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a world-class golfer and an even more individual. To compete alongside him the final two rounds was truly memorable,” stated the winner, the current 30th-ranked player globally. “You’re so focused on your game and staying in the zone, it’s difficult to describe at the present how it is. It is incredible to be holding the trophy.”
Notable Performances
Rory McIlroy found himself just too much to do, coming up one shot short in a tie for third with Højgaard, after a spectacular 62 final round of 62. It was McIlroy’s lowest-ever score on the DP World Tour, comprising eight birdie putts and an eagle.
The Danish golfer fired six birdie putts of his own, but his hopes of leading the standings were dented by a dropped shot on the twelfth. English golfer Richard Mansell produced an superb last round 63 to finish in a tie for fifth place with Australian Hillier.
