The English golfer Wins the Abu Dhabi Title in Thrilling Play-Off Battle Versus Fellow Englishman Fleetwood
The 30-year-old golfer demonstrated exceptional nerve to claim the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on the final day, defeating his compatriot in a tense play-off following a rollercoaster final round of play.
Rai sank a crucial birdie putt from just over eight foot to clinch the win, echoing his sole prior Rolex Series success at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was likewise a play-off win against the same opponent.
Final Round Drama
Rai started the last day with a one-shot advantage over countryman Fleetwood and Danish golfer Højgaard. He finished with a total score of 263 after a topsy-turvy, 67 final round that featured seven birdies and a pair of bogeys.
Fleetwood moved a stroke clear with the 16th and 17th remaining after a birdie on the 16th, but his rival pulled level again on the seventeenth and then missed a ten-foot birdie putt to win outright on the final hole.
Play-Off Decider
That set up a playoff at the Yas Links course where the eventual winner triumphed to take the championship and $1.5m (ÂŁ1.13 million) in winnings.
{“Tommy is a world-class player and an even more individual. To play with him the last two days was truly memorable,” said 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 feels. It is incredible to be holding the trophy.”
Notable Contenders
The Northern Irish star found himself just too much to make up, finishing one shot behind in a tie for third with the Dane, after a stunning 62 closing round of ten-under. It was his lowest-ever score on the European Tour, comprising eight birdies and one eagle.
Højgaard carded six birdies of his own, but his hopes of leading the leaderboard were hit by a dropped shot on the twelfth. England’s Mansell hit an superb last round seven-under to end up tied for fifth with Australia’s Hillier.
