Aaron Rai secured his second Rolex Series victory at the 2025 Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, defeating Tommy Fleetwood in a tense play-off on Sunday.
Rai began the final round with a one-shot advantage but was quickly overtaken as Fleetwood made an early surge to go two clear.
However, a run of four consecutive birdies on the front nine saw Rai move back in front, only for Fleetwood to respond once more in a dramatic exchange of momentum.
The contest remained finely balanced until the closing stretch, with Rai producing birdies at the 16th and 17th to draw level again as both players headed to the last hole.
Rai missed a promising opportunity for outright victory on the 18th in regulation play, but he made no error on the first play-off hole, holing a decisive birdie putt to claim his third DP World Tour title.
The 2020 Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open champion signed for a final-round 67, featuring seven birdies and two bogeys, to finish at 25 under par. Fleetwood carded a flawless 66 that included an eagle and four birdies to force the play-off.
Race to Dubai leader Rory McIlroy posted a superb ten-under 62 to finish one stroke behind the leading pair, tied for third alongside Nicolai Højgaard. Daniel Hillier and Richard Mansell followed on 22 under.
Rai arrived in Abu Dhabi ranked 55th in the season standings and needing a strong performance to secure his place at the DP World Tour Championship. He will now head there as the Tour’s newest winner.
Rai, who celebrated the triumph with his father Amrik, 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’shard 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.”
Reflecting on his response to a missed short putt at the 14th, Rai added: “My caddie Jason (Timmis) was great. Because it was a little bit of a shock to the system really on the 14th, missing a short putt there.
“He was great, just telling me to stay present and just focusing on playing the next shots and trying to finish strong. Made a really good up-and-down on the 15th which really helped.
“Made a nice putt there which certainly gave a little bit of confidence moving forward. That was an important moment. And yeah, it was nice to finish off strongly over the last few holes as well.”
The trophy presentation was led by His Highness Sheikh Nahyan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, accompanied by senior representatives from the Emirates Golf Federation, HSBC, DP World Tour and Mohamed Rasool Khoory & Sons.
Fans can register for the pre-sale to the 2026 Abu Dhabi Championship from tomorrow by clicking here.
