Aaron Rai demonstrated remarkable nerve to secure the prestigious Abu Dhabi title on the final day, beating his compatriot in a tense play-off following a topsy-turvy last day of play.
The Englishman sank a crucial birdie from just over eight foot to seal the win, echoing his only previous Rolex Series triumph at the Scottish Open in 2020, which was also a play-off victory over Fleetwood.
The champion started the final round with a one-shot lead over fellow Englishman Fleetwood and Denmark’s Højgaard. He finished with a overall score of 263 after a topsy-turvy, five-under closing round that included seven birdie putts and a pair of bogeys.
The challenger moved a stroke ahead with the 16th and 17th to play after a birdie putt on the 16th, but Rai tied it up again on the 17th and then missed a ten-foot birdie attempt to win outright on the last hole.
That set up a play-off at the Yas Links course where Rai prevailed to claim the championship and $1.5 million (£1.13 million) in winnings.
{“Tommy is a phenomenal golfer and an even better individual. To compete alongside him the final two rounds was truly memorable,” stated Rai, the current 30th-ranked player globally. “You’re so concentrated on playing the round and staying in the zone, it’s hard to put into words at the moment how it is. It is amazing to be holding the trophy.”
Rory McIlroy found himself a bit too far to make up, finishing a stroke short in a shared third place with Højgaard, after a spectacular 62 closing round of ten-under. It was McIlroy’s lowest-ever score on the European 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 hit by a bogey on the 12th. England’s Richard Mansell produced an excellent last round 63 to finish in a tie for fifth place with Australian Daniel Hillier.
