The English golfer Secures the Abu Dhabi Title in Dramatic Play-Off Battle Against Fellow Englishman Fleetwood
The 30-year-old golfer displayed remarkable nerve to claim the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on the final day, defeating Tommy Fleetwood in a tense playoff after a topsy-turvy last day of competition.
The Englishman nailed a decisive birdie from just over eight foot to seal the win, repeating his sole prior Rolex Series triumph at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was also a playoff victory over the same opponent.
Sunday's Play Drama
Rai started the final round with a one-shot lead over countryman Tommy Fleetwood and Danish golfer Højgaard. He finished with a overall score of 263 after a up-and-down, five-under closing round that included seven birdie putts and a pair of bogeys.
The challenger moved a stroke ahead with the 16th and 17th to play after a birdie on the sixteenth, but his rival tied it up again on the 17th and then failed to convert a 10-foot birdie attempt to win outright on the last hole.
Playoff Decider
This set up a playoff at Yas Links where Rai triumphed to claim the title and $1.5m (£1.13 million) in prize money.
{“Tommy is a world-class player and an even more individual. To play with him the last two days was really special,” stated the winner, the current world No 30. “You’re so concentrated on your game and staying in the zone, it’s difficult to put into words at the present how it feels. It is amazing to be stood here.”
Notable Contenders
The Northern Irish star left himself just too much to make up, finishing a stroke short in a shared third place with Højgaard, after a spectacular 62 final round of ten-under. It was his lowest-ever score on the European Tour, including eight birdies and one 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 12th. England’s Mansell produced an superb final-round seven-under to finish tied for fifth with Australian Daniel Hillier.
