The Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship 2025 reached a play-off as Tommy Fleetwood and Aaron Rai tied with a record 25-under total. Rory McIlroy narrowly missed the lead at the Yas Links Golf Course, finishing just one shot behind the duo.
Fleetwood and Rai, who had previously met in a DP World Tour playoff, displayed their skills as McIlroy praised their performances and exchanged congratulations with them. The two Englishmen had a showdown at the 2020 Scottish Open, where Rai emerged victorious over Fleetwood in an exciting playoff.
McIlroy faced challenges at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, admitting to struggling with patience as Rai set a competitive pace. Despite feeling the pressure, McIlroy acknowledged his missed opportunities during the tournament.
Expressing his thoughts, McIlroy emphasized the importance of maintaining composure on the course. Meanwhile, Rai and Fleetwood embraced the opportunity to compete against a golf icon, recognizing the significance of the event on the DP World Tour.
Fleetwood highlighted the importance of patience and praised Rai for his exceptional performance. Sky has announced a discounted Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the upcoming season, offering an extensive coverage of live matches across various leagues, including the Premier League.