The English golfer Wins Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Dramatic Play-Off Showdown Against Fellow Englishman Fleetwood
The 30-year-old golfer demonstrated remarkable composure to secure the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on Sunday, defeating Tommy Fleetwood in a tense play-off following a topsy-turvy last day of play.
The Englishman sank a crucial birdie putt from around eight feet to seal the victory, echoing his sole prior tournament triumph at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was also a play-off win over Fleetwood.
Final Round Drama
The champion started the last day with a one-shot advantage over countryman Fleetwood and Denmark’s Højgaard. He finished with a overall score of 263 after a topsy-turvy, five-under final round that featured seven birdie putts and a pair of bogeys.
Fleetwood moved one shot clear with two holes remaining after a birdie on the 16th, but his rival tied it up again on the 17th and then missed a 10-foot birdie attempt to claim victory on the last hole.
Playoff Climax
That set up a play-off at the Yas Links course where the eventual winner prevailed to take the title and $1.5m (ÂŁ1.13m) in winnings.
{“Tommy is a world-class player and an even more individual. To play with him the last two days was really special,” said Rai, the present world No 30. “You’re so focused on playing the round and maintaining focus, it’s difficult to describe at the present how it is. It is incredible to be stood here.”
Notable Performances
Rory McIlroy left himself a bit too far to do, coming up one shot behind in a shared third place with the Dane, after a stunning 10-under final round of 62. It was McIlroy’s best-ever round on the European Tour, comprising eight birdie putts and one eagle.
The Danish golfer carded six birdie putts of his as well, but his hopes of topping the leaderboard were hit by a bogey on the 12th. England’s Richard Mansell produced an excellent final-round 63 to finish tied for fifth with Australian Hillier.
