The English golfer Secures the Abu Dhabi Title in Dramatic Play-Off Battle Versus Tommy Fleetwood
The 30-year-old golfer demonstrated remarkable nerve to secure the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on Sunday, beating his compatriot in a tense play-off after a rollercoaster final round of play.
Rai sank a crucial birdie putt from just over eight foot to seal the win, repeating his only previous tournament triumph at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was likewise a play-off victory against Fleetwood.
Sunday's Play Drama
Rai started the last day with a single stroke lead over fellow Englishman Fleetwood and Danish golfer Nicolai Højgaard. He ended up with a overall score of twenty-under after a up-and-down, five-under closing round that featured seven birdie putts and two bogeys.
The challenger edged a stroke ahead with the 16th and 17th remaining after a birdie putt on the sixteenth, but his rival tied it up again on the 17th and then failed to convert a 10-foot birdie putt to win outright on the final hole.
Play-Off Climax
This led to a playoff at the Yas Links course where Rai triumphed to take the championship and $1.5m (£1.13m) in winnings.
{“Tommy is a world-class player and an even more person. To play with him the last two days was really special,” said the winner, the current world No 30. “You’re so concentrated on playing the round and maintaining focus, it’s difficult to describe at the moment how it is. It is incredible to be stood here.”
Other Performances
Rory McIlroy found himself just too much to do, coming up one shot short in a shared third place with Højgaard, after a stunning 62 closing round of 62. It was his lowest-ever score on the DP World Tour, comprising eight birdies and one eagle.
Højgaard carded six birdie putts of his as well, but his chances of leading the standings were dented by a bogey on the 12th. England’s Mansell hit an excellent final-round 63 to finish tied for fifth with Australia’s Daniel Hillier.
