ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — In a dramatic turn of events, Aaron Rai from England managed to recover from an unexpected missed shot, securing two late birdies for a score of 5-under 67. This performance led him to victory against Tommy Fleetwood on the first playoff hole, sinking a 10-foot birdie putt to claim the Abu Dhabi Championship title on Sunday.
Following a two-month hiatus, Rai’s triumph marked his first win of the year and his third title on the European tour. Notably, this victory echoed his previous win against Fleetwood at the 2020 Scottish Open. Furthermore, he achieved his inaugural PGA Tour title at the Wyndham Championship in August 2004.
Rory McIlroy showcased an impressive performance at Yas Links, starting the back nine with five consecutive birdies and concluding with a 62, matching his lowest score ever on the European tour. Despite his efforts, he finished just one shot behind Rai, although he did extend his lead in the Race to Dubai as the tournament approaches its final week.
Fleetwood’s ambition was to secure his third global title in what has already been a remarkable season, highlighted by his contribution to Europe’s Ryder Cup victory with a 4-1 record. He demonstrated his skill by sinking a 15-foot birdie putt on the 16th hole and maintaining his tie with Rai by making a 15-foot par putt on the 17th.
Both players faced narrow misses for birdie opportunities on the par-5 18th in regulation play. Fleetwood’s round of 66 brought him level with Rai at 25-under 263.
They concluded the tournament one shot ahead of McIlroy and Nicolai Hjogaard of Denmark, who narrowly missed a 15-foot eagle putt on the final hole that would have forced a three-way playoff. Hjogaard finished with a round of 66.
“It’s challenging to articulate the emotions I’m experiencing,” Rai expressed. “Being here is truly incredible.”
The competition was fierce throughout the day, with low scores being the norm. Rai, aged 30, briefly lost his lead following an unexpected miss on a 3-foot par putt on the 14th. He then had to fight to secure par on the 15th, successfully making a 6-foot putt.
However, Rai regained momentum by hitting a 5-iron to within 8 feet on the 16th, setting up a birdie that kept him within one shot of Fleetwood, who had just made a 15-foot birdie putt. Rai then converted an 18-foot putt on the par-3 17th to reach 25 under, putting pressure on Fleetwood to make his 15-foot par putt to maintain the tie.
The playoff ultimately turned into a short-game contest, as neither player had the distance to reach the 616-yard hole in two shots. Fleetwood’s birdie attempt veered to the right, leaving Rai to capitalize and secure the victory.
Prior to this week, Rai was ranked No. 55 in the Race to Dubai. This victory propelled him to No. 9, securing his qualification for the season-ending DP World Tour Championship in Dubai, reserved for the top 50 players. Matthew Jordan’s tie for 15th place earned him the 50th spot.
McIlroy, the defending champion next week, is aiming for his seventh title as Europe’s No. 1 and strengthened his position with his runner-up finish in Abu Dhabi.
Marco Penge from England finished with a round of 63, tying for ninth place. However, he remains 767 points behind, with 2,000 points available to the winner in Dubai.
“I focused on maintaining momentum and securing as many birdies as possible, with the dual aim of winning this tournament and establishing a significant lead heading into Dubai next week,” McIlroy stated.
