Golf Dec 07, 2025

Abu Dhabi Championship: Aaron Rai edges out Tommy Fleetwood in play-off to win DP World Tour title as Rory McIlroy falls short

👤
By Admin
Sports Journalist
Abu Dhabi Championship: Aaron Rai edges out Tommy Fleetwood in play-off to win DP World Tour title as Rory McIlroy falls short

Aaron Rai held his nerve to win the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship after beating Tommy Fleetwood on the first play-off hole.

The 30-year-old sunk a birdie from just over eight feet to emulate his only previous Rolex Series win at the 2020 Scottish Open - which was also a play-off win over Fleetwood.

Rai went into the final round with a one-shot lead over Fleetwood and Nicolai Hojgaard, and emerged with a total of 263 after a topsy-turvy, five-under final round that included seven birdies and two bogeys.

He missed a 10-foot putt to win it on the last and see off Fleetwood, who had moved one shot clear with two to play after a birdie on the 16th, but ultimately had to settle for parity after a six-under final round of 66.

Rory McIlroy left himself just too much to do, coming up one shot short in a tie for third place with Hojgaard, after a stunning 10-under final round of 62, comprising eight birdies and an eagle - his lowest ever round on the DP World Tour.

"I just tried to keep my foot down and make as many birdies as possible, knowing that I'm trying to win this tournament but also give myself the biggest cushion possible going into Dubai next week, as well," McIlroy said.

Hojgaard fired six birdies but his hopes of topping the leaderboard were hit by a bogey on the 12th. England's Richard Mansell hit an excellent final round 63 to finish tied for fifth place with Australia's Daniel Hillier.

After his win, Rai said: "It's hard to sum up. I think you're just so focused on playing the round and obviously just trying to stay in your zone. It's hard to put into words at the moment how this feels or how I'm going to reflect on it.

"But it's just amazing to be stood here. Tommy is a phenomenal player. He's an even better person than he is a player and that says a lot.

"To play with him the last two days and be out there with him was really special. So yeah, amazing to be here."

The DP World Tour Play-Offs conclude with the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai live on SportNews Golf and SportNews Main Event from November 13 at 7am.

Tags:

golf news id:13467165

Share this article

Related Posts

Shane Lowry reveals anguish at Cognizant Classic title loss in front of four-year-old daughter

Shane Lowry reveals anguish at Cognizant Classic title loss in front of four-year-old daughter

Shane Lowry revealed his anguish at missing out on victory at the Cognizant Classic in front of his young daughter.Lowry had looked on course for a co...

The Players: How the PGA Tour's flagship event delivered again at TPC Sawgrass as Cameron Young wins Sunday that 'had everything'

The Players: How the PGA Tour's flagship event delivered again at TPC Sawgrass as Cameron Young wins Sunday that 'had everything'

What a fabulous Players Championship we enjoyed last week at TPC Sawgrass.It had drama, atmosphere and excitement with thrills and spills from beginni...

PGA Tour: Shane Lowry collapses in Cognizant Classic closing stages as Nico Echavarria claims Florida crown

PGA Tour: Shane Lowry collapses in Cognizant Classic closing stages as Nico Echavarria claims Florida crown

Shane Lowry lost a three-shot lead with two double-bogeys on the 16th and 17th to hand Nico Echavarria the title in the final round of the Cognizant C...

TGL golf LIVE: Latest scores, reports, highlights, updates and news as PGA Tour stars play in indoor team league

TGL golf LIVE: Latest scores, reports, highlights, updates and news as PGA Tour stars play in indoor team league

'Fulham agree a deal for PSV's Pepi'Fulham have agreed a deal to sign United States international Ricardo Pepi from PSV, according to Fabriz...

Women's World Championship: Charley Hull ready for first major in 2026 after near misses with eyes on world No 1 spot

Women's World Championship: Charley Hull ready for first major in 2026 after near misses with eyes on world No 1 spot

Charley Hull says she is ready to win a major in 2026 with the Englishwoman set for the HSBC Women's World Championship in Singapore this week.Hull mo...

Andrea Pavan: Italian golfer falls down lift shaft in freak accident as fellow pros donate towards his recovery

Andrea Pavan: Italian golfer falls down lift shaft in freak accident as fellow pros donate towards his recovery

Italian golfer Andrea Pavan has sustained multiple injuries after falling three floors down a lift shaft in South Africa. The accident took place at P...