đ Share this article Aaron Rai Clinches the Abu Dhabi Title in Thrilling Playoff Battle Against Tommy Fleetwood Aaron Rai displayed remarkable nerve to secure the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on Sunday, beating his compatriot in a dramatic play-off following a rollercoaster last day of competition. Rai sank a decisive birdie from just over eight feet to seal the win, echoing his only previous tournament triumph at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was likewise a play-off win over the same opponent. Final Round Excitement Rai entered the final round with a one-shot advantage over fellow Englishman Tommy Fleetwood and Denmarkâs Højgaard. He finished with a overall score of twenty-under after a topsy-turvy, 67 final round that included seven birdies and a pair of bogeys. The challenger edged a stroke clear with two holes remaining after a birdie putt on the sixteenth, but Rai pulled level again on the seventeenth and then failed to convert a ten-foot birdie putt to win outright on the final green. Play-Off Decider This led to a play-off at the Yas Links course where Rai prevailed to claim the title and $1.5 million (ÂŁ1.13m) in prize money. {âTommy is a phenomenal player and an even better person. To compete alongside him the last two days was really special,â stated the winner, the current 30th-ranked player globally. âYouâre so concentrated on your game and maintaining focus, itâs difficult to put into words at the present how it is. It is amazing to be holding the trophy.â Notable Contenders Rory McIlroy left himself a bit too far to make up, coming up a stroke behind in a tie for third with Højgaard, after a spectacular 10-under closing round of 62. It was McIlroyâs lowest-ever round on the DP World Tour, including eight birdie putts and one eagle. Højgaard carded six birdie putts of his own, but his chances of topping the standings were dented by a dropped shot on the 12th. English golfer Richard Mansell produced an excellent last round seven-under to end up tied for fifth with Australiaâs Daniel Hillier.