Aaron Rai beat Tommy Fleetwood and Rory McIlroy to glory in dramatic fashion at the Abu Dhabi Championship
12:59, 09 Nov 2025
Tommy Fleetwood suffered heartbreak in Abu Dhabi(Image: AP)
Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood both missed out on a £1.1million top prize as Aaron Rai won a dramatic play-off at the Abu Dhabi Championship.
The first of two DP World Tour Play-off events has been completed as the Race to Dubai reaches its climax. Two European Ryder Cup heroes have been at the sharp end at Yas Links, with Fleetwood losing the play-off and McIlroy securing a tie for third.
The Abu Dhabi Championship’s status as a Play-off tournament means a ramping up of prize money, with a total pot of almost £7million on offer. Just over £750,000 has gone to Fleetwood, while McIlroy collected a share of £752,000, the combined third and fourth prize with Nicolai Højgaard.
McIlroy had gone into the final round six shots off the lead, held by Rai, but a sparkling round of 62 thrust him right back into contention, although it wasn’t quite enough.
After McIlroy finished in 24 under, Fleetwood and Rai both sank pressure putts on the 17th to head down the last tied on 25 under. After Fleetwood could only manage a par, Rai had a chance to win it, only to see his birdie putt slip by the hole, sending the tournament into a play-off.
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At the first extra hole, both had putts for birdie. After Fleetwood missed, Rai, from slightly closer, sank his to claim the top prize. Speaking after the win, Rai: “It’s hard to sum up. I was so focused on playing my round, trying to stay in the zone.
“It’s hard to put into words at the moment how this feel or how I’m going to reflect on it. It’s just amazing to be stood here.
Tommy Fleetwood congratulates Aaron Rai after the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship(Image: Getty Images)
“Tommy’s a phenomenal player and an even better person. It’s been really special to play with him for the last two days. It’s amazing to be here.”
The Race to Dubai concludes with the DP World Tour Championship, starting on November 13.
More to follow.
