The English golfer Secures Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Thrilling Playoff Battle Versus Fellow Englishman Fleetwood
The 30-year-old golfer displayed exceptional composure to claim the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on Sunday, beating his compatriot in a tense playoff after a topsy-turvy final round of play.
The Englishman nailed a crucial birdie putt from just over eight foot to clinch the victory, repeating his sole prior tournament success at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was likewise a playoff victory over the same opponent.
Sunday's Play Drama
The champion entered the last day with a one-shot advantage over fellow Englishman Fleetwood and Denmark’s Højgaard. He ended up with a overall score of 263 after a topsy-turvy, five-under closing round that included seven birdie putts and two bogeys.
The challenger edged one shot clear with two holes remaining after a birdie on the sixteenth, but Rai tied it up again on the seventeenth and then failed to convert a ten-foot birdie attempt to claim victory on the final green.
Play-Off Decider
This set up a play-off at Yas Links where Rai triumphed to claim the title and $1.5 million (£1.13m) in winnings.
{“Tommy is a world-class golfer and an even more individual. To compete alongside him the last two days was really special,” stated the winner, the current world No 30. “You’re so focused on your game and staying in the zone, it’s hard to describe at the present how it feels. It is amazing to be stood here.”
Other Performances
The Northern Irish star found himself just too much to do, coming up a stroke short in a shared third place with the Dane, after a spectacular 10-under final round of 62. It was McIlroy’s lowest-ever score on the DP World Tour, comprising eight birdies and an eagle.
The Danish golfer fired six birdie putts of his own, but his chances of topping the standings were dented by a bogey on the twelfth. England’s Richard Mansell hit an superb last round 63 to end up in a tie for fifth place with Australia’s Hillier.
