🔗 Share this article The English golfer Secures Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Thrilling Play-Off Showdown Versus Tommy Fleetwood Aaron Rai displayed remarkable composure to claim the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on the final day, beating Tommy Fleetwood in a tense playoff after a topsy-turvy final round of play. The Englishman sank a decisive birdie from around eight foot to seal the victory, repeating his sole prior Rolex Series success at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was also a playoff victory over Fleetwood. Sunday's Play Excitement Rai entered the last day with a one-shot lead over countryman Tommy Fleetwood and Danish golfer Nicolai Højgaard. He ended up with a overall score of twenty-under after a topsy-turvy, five-under final round that featured seven birdies and two bogeys. Fleetwood edged a stroke clear with the 16th and 17th to play after a birdie putt on the sixteenth, but Rai tied it up again on the 17th and then missed a 10-foot birdie attempt to win outright on the last hole. Play-Off Decider That led to a playoff at Yas Links where the eventual winner triumphed to claim the title and $1.5 million (£1.13 million) in prize money. {“Tommy is a world-class golfer and an even more individual. To compete alongside him the last two days was really special,” stated Rai, the present 30th-ranked player globally. “You’re so concentrated on your game and staying in the zone, it’s hard to put into words at the present how it feels. It is incredible to be holding the trophy.” Notable Contenders Rory McIlroy found himself just too much to make up, coming up a stroke short in a tie for third with Højgaard, after a stunning 62 final round of 62. It was McIlroy’s lowest-ever round on the European Tour, including eight birdies and an eagle. The Danish golfer fired six birdie putts of his own, but his hopes of leading the standings were dented by a bogey on the 12th. English golfer Richard Mansell hit an superb final-round seven-under to finish tied for fifth with Australia’s Daniel Hillier.