🔗 Share this article The English golfer Clinches Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in Dramatic Playoff Battle Against Fellow Englishman Fleetwood The 30-year-old golfer demonstrated exceptional nerve to claim the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on the final day, beating Tommy Fleetwood in a dramatic playoff following a rollercoaster final round of competition. Rai sank a crucial birdie from just over eight feet to seal the victory, echoing his only previous tournament triumph at the 2020 Scottish Open, which was likewise a play-off win over the same opponent. Sunday's Play Drama The champion entered the final round with a one-shot lead over countryman Fleetwood and Danish golfer Nicolai Højgaard. He ended up with a overall score of twenty-under after a topsy-turvy, 67 final round that included seven birdies and two bogeys. The challenger moved one shot clear with the 16th and 17th to play after a birdie putt on the 16th, but his rival tied it up again on the seventeenth and then missed a ten-foot birdie attempt to claim victory on the final hole. Playoff Climax This led to a playoff at Yas Links where the eventual winner prevailed to take the title and $1.5m (£1.13m) in winnings. {“Tommy is a phenomenal player and an even better person. To compete alongside him the last two days was truly memorable,” stated Rai, 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.” Notable Contenders Rory McIlroy found himself just too much to do, finishing one shot behind in a shared third place with the Dane, after a spectacular 10-under final round of 62. It was McIlroy’s best-ever score on the DP World Tour, comprising eight birdie putts and one eagle. Højgaard carded six birdie putts of his own, but his hopes of leading the standings were hit by a dropped shot on the twelfth. England’s Richard Mansell hit an excellent final-round seven-under to end up in a tie for fifth place with Australian Daniel Hillier.