🔗 Share this article The English golfer Clinches the Abu Dhabi Title in Dramatic Playoff Battle Against Tommy Fleetwood Aaron Rai displayed exceptional composure to claim the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on Sunday, defeating Tommy Fleetwood in a tense play-off following a topsy-turvy final round of play. Rai nailed a crucial birdie from just over eight feet to seal the victory, repeating his sole prior Rolex Series success at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was likewise a play-off win against Fleetwood. Sunday's Play Drama The champion started the final round with a single stroke lead over countryman Fleetwood and Danish golfer Nicolai Højgaard. He ended up with a total score of twenty-under after a up-and-down, five-under closing round that featured seven birdies and a pair of bogeys. Fleetwood edged one shot ahead with the 16th and 17th to play after a birdie putt on the 16th, but Rai tied it up again on the 17th and then failed to convert a ten-foot birdie putt to claim victory on the last hole. Play-Off Climax This set up a playoff at Yas Links where the eventual winner prevailed to claim the championship and $1.5 million (£1.13 million) in prize money. {“Tommy is a phenomenal player and an even more individual. To play with him the last two days was truly memorable,” stated the winner, the present 30th-ranked player globally. “You’re so focused on your game and maintaining focus, it’s hard to put into words at the present how it is. It is amazing to be holding the trophy.” Notable Performances The Northern Irish star found himself just too much to make up, finishing a stroke short in a shared third place with the Dane, after a stunning 62 final round of ten-under. It was his best-ever round on the European Tour, including eight birdies and an eagle. Højgaard fired six birdie putts of his own, but his hopes of topping the standings were hit by a dropped shot on the twelfth. English golfer Richard Mansell hit an excellent last round seven-under to end up tied for fifth with Australia’s Hillier.