The English golfer Wins Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Dramatic Play-Off Showdown Against Fellow Englishman Fleetwood
The 30-year-old golfer displayed exceptional composure to secure the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on the final day, defeating his compatriot in a dramatic playoff after a rollercoaster last day of play.
Rai sank a crucial birdie putt from around eight feet to seal the win, echoing his sole prior Rolex Series success at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was likewise a playoff victory over the same opponent.
Final Round Excitement
The champion started the last day with a one-shot advantage over fellow Englishman Fleetwood and Denmark’s Nicolai Højgaard. He finished with a overall score of twenty-under after a topsy-turvy, 67 closing round that featured seven birdie putts and a pair of bogeys.
The challenger edged a stroke ahead with two holes to play after a birdie on the 16th, but his rival pulled level again on the 17th and then failed to convert a ten-foot birdie putt to claim victory on the last green.
Play-Off Decider
That set up a play-off at the Yas Links course where Rai prevailed to take the title and $1.5 million (£1.13 million) in winnings.
{“Tommy is a phenomenal player and an even better individual. To play with him the final two rounds was truly memorable,” said the winner, the present 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 amazing to be stood here.”
Other Contenders
The Northern Irish star found himself just too much to do, coming up one shot short in a shared third place with Højgaard, after a spectacular 62 closing round of ten-under. It was his 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 leading the leaderboard were hit by a dropped shot on the 12th. England’s Richard Mansell hit an superb final-round 63 to finish in a tie for fifth place with Australian Hillier.
