The English golfer Clinches the Abu Dhabi Title in Dramatic Playoff Showdown Versus Tommy Fleetwood
The 30-year-old golfer displayed remarkable composure to claim the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on the final day, defeating his compatriot in a dramatic play-off following a topsy-turvy last day of play.
Rai nailed a decisive birdie putt from just over eight foot to clinch the victory, echoing his sole prior tournament success at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was likewise a play-off victory against Fleetwood.
Final Round Drama
The champion started the last day with a single stroke advantage over fellow Englishman Fleetwood and Denmark’s Højgaard. He finished with a total score of 263 after a topsy-turvy, five-under closing round that featured seven birdies and two bogeys.
Fleetwood moved a stroke clear with two holes to play after a birdie putt on the sixteenth, but his rival pulled level again on the seventeenth and then missed a ten-foot birdie attempt to win outright on the final green.
Play-Off Decider
This led to a playoff at the Yas Links course where Rai triumphed to claim the championship and $1.5m (£1.13m) in winnings.
{“Tommy is a world-class golfer and an even better individual. To play with him the final two rounds was truly memorable,” said Rai, the current 30th-ranked player globally. “You’re so focused on playing the round and maintaining focus, it’s hard to put into words at the present how it is. It is amazing to be holding the trophy.”
Notable Performances
The Northern Irish star left himself a bit too far to do, finishing one shot behind in a tie for third with Højgaard, after a stunning 10-under closing round of ten-under. It was his best-ever score on the DP World Tour, comprising eight birdie putts and one eagle.
Højgaard fired six birdies of his as well, but his chances of topping the standings were dented by a bogey on the twelfth. English golfer Mansell hit an superb last round 63 to end up tied for fifth with Australia’s Daniel Hillier.
