🔗 Share this article The English golfer Clinches Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Dramatic Play-Off Battle Versus Tommy Fleetwood The 30-year-old golfer displayed remarkable composure to secure the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on the final day, defeating Tommy Fleetwood in a dramatic playoff after a topsy-turvy final round of play. The Englishman nailed a decisive birdie from just over eight foot to seal the win, repeating his sole prior Rolex Series success at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was likewise a play-off win against the same opponent. Final Round Excitement Rai started the last day with a single stroke advantage over fellow Englishman Tommy Fleetwood and Denmark’s Højgaard. He ended up with a total score of twenty-under after a topsy-turvy, 67 final round that featured seven birdies and a pair of bogeys. Fleetwood moved one shot clear with two holes to play after a birdie on the sixteenth, but his rival pulled level again on the 17th and then failed to convert a 10-foot birdie putt to win outright on the last hole. Playoff Decider That led to a play-off at the Yas Links course where Rai prevailed to claim the title and $1.5m (£1.13m) in winnings. {“Tommy is a world-class player and an even more person. To compete alongside him the last two days was truly memorable,” stated the winner, the present world No 30. “You’re so focused on your game and staying in the zone, it’s hard to describe at the moment how it is. It is amazing to be stood here.” Other Performances Rory McIlroy found himself just too much to do, finishing one shot short in a tie for third with Højgaard, after a spectacular 10-under closing round of ten-under. It was his lowest-ever round on the DP World Tour, including eight birdies and an eagle. Højgaard fired six birdies of his as well, but his chances of leading the leaderboard were dented by a bogey on the twelfth. English golfer Mansell produced an superb final-round seven-under to end up tied for fifth with Australian Hillier.