🔗 Share this article Aaron Rai Wins Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Thrilling Play-Off Showdown Versus Tommy Fleetwood The 30-year-old golfer displayed exceptional nerve to secure the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on Sunday, beating his compatriot in a dramatic playoff following a topsy-turvy final round of play. The Englishman sank a crucial birdie putt from just over eight feet to clinch the win, echoing his sole prior Rolex Series triumph at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was also a play-off victory over Fleetwood. Sunday's Play Drama The champion entered the last day with a one-shot advantage over fellow Englishman Fleetwood and Danish golfer Højgaard. He ended up with a total score of 263 after a up-and-down, five-under final round that featured seven birdies and two bogeys. Fleetwood moved a stroke ahead with the 16th and 17th to play after a birdie putt on the sixteenth, but Rai pulled level again on the seventeenth and then failed to convert a 10-foot birdie putt to claim victory on the final green. Play-Off Decider This led to a playoff at the Yas Links course where Rai prevailed to claim the title and $1.5 million (£1.13 million) in winnings. {“Tommy is a world-class golfer and an even more individual. To play with him the final two rounds was truly memorable,” stated the winner, the current world No 30. “You’re so focused on your game and maintaining focus, it’s hard to describe at the moment how it feels. It is amazing to be stood here.” Other Contenders The Northern Irish star found himself a bit too far to make up, coming up a stroke behind in a shared third place with Højgaard, after a stunning 10-under closing round of ten-under. It was his lowest-ever score on the DP World Tour, comprising eight birdie putts and one eagle. Højgaard fired six birdie putts of his as well, but his hopes of topping the leaderboard were dented by a dropped shot on the 12th. England’s Mansell produced an excellent last round seven-under to end up in a tie for fifth place with Australia’s Daniel Hillier.