🔗 Share this article

Aaron Rai displayed exceptional nerve to secure the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on the final day, beating his compatriot in a tense play-off after a topsy-turvy last day of competition.

Rai nailed a crucial birdie from around eight foot to clinch the victory, repeating his only previous Rolex Series success at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was also a play-off victory over Fleetwood.

Final Round Drama

Rai entered the final round with a single stroke lead over fellow Englishman Fleetwood and Danish golfer Nicolai Højgaard. He finished with a total score of twenty-under after a up-and-down, five-under final round that featured seven birdies and two bogeys.

The challenger moved a stroke ahead with the 16th and 17th remaining after a birdie putt on the sixteenth, but his rival tied it up again on the 17th and then missed a 10-foot birdie putt to claim victory on the final green.

Play-Off Decider

That set up a play-off at Yas Links where Rai triumphed 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 compete alongside him the last two days was truly memorable,” stated Rai, the current world No 30. “You’re so concentrated on playing the round and maintaining focus, 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 left himself just too much to do, finishing a stroke short in a shared third place with Højgaard, after a stunning 10-under final round of ten-under. It was his best-ever score on the European Tour, comprising eight birdie putts and one eagle.

Højgaard fired six birdie putts of his as well, but his chances of topping the leaderboard were dented by a bogey on the twelfth. England’s Richard Mansell produced an superb last round 63 to end up tied for fifth with Australian Daniel Hillier.