🔗 Share this article The English golfer Wins Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Thrilling Playoff Showdown Versus Fellow Englishman Fleetwood Aaron Rai demonstrated remarkable nerve to secure the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on Sunday, defeating Tommy Fleetwood in a dramatic play-off following a topsy-turvy last day of competition. Rai sank a decisive birdie putt from around eight foot to seal the win, echoing his sole prior tournament success at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was likewise a playoff win over the same opponent. Final Round Excitement The champion started the last day with a one-shot lead over fellow Englishman Tommy Fleetwood and Danish golfer Højgaard. He finished with a total score of twenty-under after a topsy-turvy, 67 final round that featured seven birdie putts and two bogeys. The challenger moved one shot ahead with two holes remaining after a birdie on the 16th, but Rai tied it up again on the 17th and then missed a ten-foot birdie putt to win outright on the last hole. Play-Off Decider That led to a play-off at Yas Links where Rai prevailed to claim the championship and $1.5m (£1.13m) in prize money. {“Tommy is a world-class golfer and an even better person. To compete alongside him the last two days was really special,” stated Rai, the present world No 30. “You’re so concentrated on playing the round and maintaining focus, it’s difficult to describe at the moment how it feels. It is incredible to be holding the trophy.” Notable Contenders The Northern Irish star found himself a bit too far to do, coming up a stroke behind in a tie for third with Højgaard, after a spectacular 10-under final round of 62. It was his best-ever score on the DP World Tour, including eight birdie putts and one eagle. The Danish golfer fired six birdie putts of his as well, but his hopes of leading the leaderboard were dented by a bogey on the twelfth. England’s Richard Mansell produced an superb final-round seven-under to end up tied for fifth with Australia’s Hillier.