🔗 Share this article Aaron Rai Secures the Abu Dhabi Title in Dramatic Play-Off Showdown Against Tommy Fleetwood The 30-year-old golfer demonstrated remarkable nerve to secure the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on the final day, defeating Tommy Fleetwood in a dramatic play-off after a rollercoaster last day of play. Rai nailed a decisive birdie putt from around eight foot to seal the win, repeating his only previous tournament success at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was likewise a play-off win against the same opponent. Sunday's Play Drama The champion entered the last day with a one-shot advantage over countryman Tommy Fleetwood and Danish golfer Nicolai Højgaard. He finished with a overall score of 263 after a up-and-down, five-under closing round that included seven birdies and two bogeys. Fleetwood edged a stroke ahead with the 16th and 17th remaining after a birdie putt on the 16th, but his rival tied it up again on the seventeenth and then missed a ten-foot birdie attempt to claim victory on the last hole. Play-Off Decider This set up a play-off at the Yas Links course where the eventual winner triumphed to take the championship and $1.5m (£1.13 million) in winnings. {“Tommy is a phenomenal player and an even more person. 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 maintaining focus, it’s hard to describe at the present how it feels. It is amazing to be stood here.” Other Contenders Rory McIlroy left himself a bit too far to do, finishing one shot behind in a tie for third with the Dane, after a spectacular 10-under final round of ten-under. It was McIlroy’s best-ever score on the DP World Tour, comprising eight birdie putts and one eagle. The Danish golfer fired six birdie putts of his own, but his chances of topping the standings were dented by a dropped shot on the twelfth. English golfer Mansell hit an excellent last round 63 to end up in a tie for fifth place with Australia’s Daniel Hillier.