The English golfer Secures Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Dramatic Play-Off Battle Against Fellow Englishman Fleetwood
The 30-year-old golfer demonstrated remarkable composure to claim the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on Sunday, defeating Tommy Fleetwood in a dramatic playoff after a rollercoaster last day of play.
The Englishman sank a decisive birdie putt from around eight feet to clinch the win, echoing his only previous Rolex Series success at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was also a play-off victory against the same opponent.
Sunday's Play Drama
The champion started the final round with a one-shot lead over countryman Fleetwood and Danish golfer Højgaard. He ended up with a overall score of 263 after a topsy-turvy, five-under closing round that included seven birdie putts and two bogeys.
Fleetwood moved a stroke clear with two holes to play after a birdie putt on the sixteenth, but his rival tied it up again on the 17th and then failed to convert a 10-foot birdie putt to win outright on the last hole.
Play-Off Climax
That set up a playoff at the Yas Links course where the eventual winner prevailed to claim the title and $1.5m (£1.13m) in winnings.
{“Tommy is a world-class golfer and an even better person. To compete alongside him the final two rounds was really special,” stated Rai, the current 30th-ranked player globally. “You’re so focused on playing the round and maintaining focus, it’s difficult to describe at the moment how it is. It is amazing to be holding the trophy.”
Notable Contenders
Rory McIlroy found himself a bit too far to do, finishing one shot short in a tie for third with the Dane, after a stunning 62 closing round of 62. It was McIlroy’s lowest-ever score on the European Tour, comprising eight birdies and one eagle.
Højgaard carded six birdies of his as well, but his hopes of topping the standings were hit by a dropped shot on the 12th. England’s Mansell produced an superb final-round 63 to end up tied for fifth with Australia’s Hillier.
