The Masters champion missed out on the play-off by one shot after a stunning closing round of 62 with Rai defeating Tommy Fleetwood to claim the title
Rory McIlroy staged a remarkable late challenge at the Abu Dhabi Championship as he carded a bogey-free 62 at Yas Links Golf Course, but narrowing missed out on a play-off for the title.
Aaron Rai defeated Tommy Fleetwood on the first play-off hole to win his second DP World Tour title.
McIlroy began the day on 14 under-par – six shots behind overnight leader Rai. The Englishman was one shot ahead of Fleetwood and Nicolai Hojgaard.
The Masters champion got off to the perfect start with a birdie and an eagle, but a run of four successive pars stalled his progress.
He raced back into contention with a stunning rally of five consecutive birdies from the 10th hole to sit just one off the lead, with Rai, Fleetwood and Daniel Hillier setting the pace.
McIlroy could have joined the leaders only for missed birdie putts on 15, 16 and 17 meaning he needed something special on the 18th hole.
Behind him on the course, Rai missed a two-foot par putt on 14 while Hillier made a double bogey on 15.
Shane Lowry threatened to get himself into contention with three birdies, but dropped shots on five and eight all ended ended his challenge.
McIlroy’s drive on 18 was perfect to find green in two on the par five with his Ryder Cup teammate Fleetwood in sole possession of the lead.
However, McIlroy failed to find the green, although a brilliant up and down saw him join Fleetwood at 24 under-par. His closing round of 62 was his lowest round ever on the DP World Tour.
Fleetwood would go on to birdie 16 while Rai bounced back with birdies on 16 and 17 as the pair headed down the 18th tied on 25 under-par.
Rai narrowly missed a birdie putt on 18 to take the title while Hojgaard was unsuccessful with his eagle attempt as he threatened to join the leaders at 25 under.
With Fleetwood only making par as the duo replayed the 18th, Rai’s birdie was enough to seal the victory.
Lowry, meanwhile, ended the tournament on 19 under-par in a tie for 12th while Tom McKibbin, a winner on the Asian Tour last week, was at the wrong end of the leaderboard this week as he finished 66th, some 22 shots behind Rai and Fleetwood.
Click here to sign up to our sport newsletter, bringing you the latest sports news, headlines and top stories
#Rory #McIlroy #comeback #falls #short #Aaron #Rai #wins #Abu #Dhabi #Championship
