The English golfer Wins the Abu Dhabi Title in Thrilling Playoff Battle Versus Tommy Fleetwood
The 30-year-old golfer demonstrated remarkable nerve to claim the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on the final day, beating Tommy Fleetwood in a dramatic play-off following a topsy-turvy final round of competition.
Rai nailed a decisive birdie putt from around eight foot to seal the win, echoing his sole prior Rolex Series triumph at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was likewise a playoff victory over Fleetwood.
Sunday's Play Excitement
Rai started the last day with a one-shot lead over fellow Englishman Tommy Fleetwood and Denmark’s Højgaard. He ended up with a total score of 263 after a topsy-turvy, five-under final round that included seven birdies and two bogeys.
Fleetwood moved one shot clear with the 16th and 17th remaining after a birdie putt on the sixteenth, but his rival pulled level again on the seventeenth and then failed to convert a 10-foot birdie putt to win outright on the last hole.
Playoff Climax
This set up a play-off at Yas Links where the eventual winner prevailed to take the title and $1.5m (£1.13m) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a phenomenal golfer and an even better individual. To compete alongside him the last two days was truly memorable,” said the winner, the current 30th-ranked player globally. “You’re so focused on playing the round and maintaining focus, it’s difficult to describe at the present how it is. It is amazing to be holding the trophy.”
Other Contenders
The Northern Irish star left himself a bit too far to make up, finishing one shot short in a shared third place with Højgaard, after a spectacular 10-under closing round of 62. It was McIlroy’s lowest-ever score on the DP World Tour, including eight birdie putts and an eagle.
The Danish golfer carded six birdies of his own, but his chances of topping the standings were hit by a dropped shot on the twelfth. English golfer Mansell hit an superb final-round 63 to end up in a tie for fifth place with Australian Daniel Hillier.
