ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (AP) – Aaron Rai of England clinched the Abu Dhabi Championship after a tense playoff against Tommy Fleetwood, making a ten-foot birdie putt to secure his victory. Rai, returning from a two-month hiatus, finished with a score of 5-under 67.
He achieved this victory, marking his first win of the year and third title on the European Tour, having previously defeated Fleetwood in the 2020 Scottish Open. Rai had also secured his inaugural PGA Tour title during the Wyndham Championship in August 2004.
In a competitive performance, Rory McIlroy matched his all-time low score on the European tour with a vibrant 62, finishing just one shot shy of Rai and Fleetwood, enhancing his lead in the Race to Dubai, which concludes next week.
Fleetwood aimed for his third global title this season, which included a significant role in the Europe Ryder Cup team. With a 15-foot birdie putt on the 16th hole, he managed to tie with Rai at the 17th hole.
Both contenders narrowly missed birdie chances at the par-5 18th, concluding at 25-under 263. In the playoff, the duo faced a direct challenge on a shorter hole, with Fleetwood ultimately missing his birdie chance, allowing Rai to seal the victory. This win elevates Rai’s position in the Race to Dubai, moving him up to the ninth spot, securing a chance for the DP World Tour Championship next week in Dubai. Meanwhile, McIlroy, the defending champion, will be striving for his seventh title in the season-ending tournament.
