The English golfer Wins the Abu Dhabi Title in Thrilling Play-Off Battle Versus Fellow Englishman Fleetwood
The 30-year-old golfer displayed remarkable nerve to secure the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on the final day, beating Tommy Fleetwood in a tense play-off following a rollercoaster final round of competition.
The Englishman sank a crucial birdie putt from around eight foot to seal the win, echoing his only previous tournament success at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was also a play-off victory over Fleetwood.
Final Round Drama
The champion started the final round with a single stroke lead over fellow Englishman Fleetwood and Denmark’s Højgaard. He finished with a overall score of twenty-under after a topsy-turvy, five-under final round that included seven birdie putts and two bogeys.
Fleetwood moved a stroke ahead with two holes remaining after a birdie on the 16th, but Rai tied it up again on the 17th and then failed to convert a 10-foot birdie attempt to win outright on the final green.
Playoff Climax
This set up a play-off at the Yas Links course where the eventual winner prevailed to claim the title and $1.5m (£1.13 million) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a world-class player and an even more person. To compete alongside him the last two days was truly memorable,” said Rai, the present world No 30. “You’re so concentrated on your game and maintaining focus, it’s difficult to describe at the moment how it is. It is incredible to be holding the trophy.”
Notable Contenders
The Northern Irish star found himself just too much to make up, coming up a stroke short in a shared third place with the Dane, after a spectacular 62 final round of ten-under. It was his lowest-ever score on the DP World Tour, including eight birdie putts and one eagle.
Højgaard fired six birdie putts of his own, but his hopes of leading the leaderboard were hit by a bogey on the twelfth. English golfer Richard Mansell hit an excellent final-round seven-under to finish tied for fifth with Australia’s Daniel Hillier.
