Aaron Rai displayed remarkable composure to claim the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on the final day, defeating Tommy Fleetwood in a dramatic playoff following a rollercoaster final round of play.
The Englishman nailed a crucial birdie from around eight feet to seal the win, echoing his only previous Rolex Series triumph at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was likewise a playoff win over Fleetwood.
Final Round Drama
The champion started the last day with a one-shot advantage over countryman Fleetwood and Danish golfer Nicolai Højgaard. He ended up with a overall score of twenty-under after a up-and-down, 67 final round that featured seven birdie putts and two bogeys.
The challenger edged a stroke clear with two holes to play after a birdie putt on the 16th, but his rival pulled level again on the 17th and then failed to convert a ten-foot birdie attempt to claim victory on the last green.
Playoff Decider
This led to a play-off at the Yas Links course where the eventual winner triumphed to take the title and $1.5m (£1.13m) in winnings.
{“Tommy is a world-class golfer and an even more person. To play with him the last two days was really special,” stated Rai, the current world No 30. “You’re so focused on playing the round and maintaining focus, it’s difficult to put into words at the present how it feels. It is amazing to be holding the trophy.”
Notable Performances
The Northern Irish star left himself just too much to make up, coming up one shot behind in a tie for third with the Dane, after a spectacular 62 final round of 62. It was his lowest-ever score on the European Tour, including eight birdies and an eagle.
The Danish golfer carded six birdies of his own, but his chances of leading the leaderboard were hit by a dropped shot on the twelfth. English golfer Mansell hit an superb final-round 63 to finish in a tie for fifth place with Australia’s Daniel Hillier.
