Aaron Rai emerged victorious at the Abu Dhabi Championship, defeating Tommy Fleetwood in a playoff with a 10-foot birdie putt after a solid 5-under 67 round. Rai, returning from a two-month break, secured his third European Tour title and first win of the year. His last triumph on the tour was against Fleetwood at the 2020 Scottish Open, and he also claimed the Wyndham Championship in August 2004 for his inaugural PGA Tour victory.
Rory McIlroy made a remarkable comeback on the back nine with five consecutive birdies, finishing with a 62, just one shot behind Rai and Fleetwood. Despite narrowly missing the playoff, McIlroy extended his lead in the Race to Dubai, which concludes next week.
Fleetwood, seeking his third global title, showcased his skills with a 15-foot birdie on the 16th and a crucial par putt on the 17th to stay level with Rai. The intense competition led to both players missing birdie opportunities on the 18th, resulting in a tie at 25-under 263 after Fleetwood’s 66.
The playoff proved to be a test of nerves as neither player could reach the green in two shots on the lengthy 616-yard hole. Rai sealed the victory with a successful birdie putt, moving up to ninth in the Race to Dubai standings.
McIlroy’s stellar performance solidified his position as the Race to Dubai leader, setting the stage for next week’s DP World Tour Championship in Dubai. With Marco Penge of England trailing by 767 points, the competition for the top spot intensifies as the season nears its end.