The English golfer Secures the Abu Dhabi Title in Dramatic Play-Off Battle Against Tommy Fleetwood
The 30-year-old golfer displayed exceptional nerve to secure the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on the final day, defeating his compatriot in a dramatic playoff after a topsy-turvy last day of play.
The Englishman sank a crucial birdie putt from just over eight foot to clinch the victory, echoing his only previous tournament success at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was likewise a playoff win against Fleetwood.
Final Round Drama
Rai entered the last day with a one-shot advantage over fellow Englishman Tommy Fleetwood and Denmark’s Nicolai Højgaard. He ended up with a overall score of 263 after a topsy-turvy, 67 closing round that included seven birdies and two bogeys.
Fleetwood edged one shot ahead with the 16th and 17th remaining after a birdie on the sixteenth, but his rival pulled level again on the 17th and then failed to convert a 10-foot birdie putt to win outright on the final hole.
Playoff Decider
That set up a playoff at the Yas Links course where the eventual winner triumphed to take the title and $1.5 million (£1.13m) in winnings.
{“Tommy is a phenomenal player and an even more individual. To compete alongside him the last two days was truly memorable,” said the winner, the present world No 30. “You’re so focused on playing the round and staying in the zone, it’s difficult to describe at the moment how it feels. It is incredible to be holding the trophy.”
Notable Performances
The Northern Irish star found himself a bit too far to make up, coming up a stroke short in a shared third place with the Dane, after a stunning 62 closing round of ten-under. It was McIlroy’s best-ever score on the DP World Tour, comprising eight birdies and one eagle.
Højgaard fired six birdie putts of his as well, but his chances of leading the standings were hit by a dropped shot on the twelfth. English golfer Mansell produced an superb last round 63 to finish tied for fifth with Australia’s Daniel Hillier.
