The 2025 Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship concluded with a playoff showdown between Tommy Fleetwood and Aaron Rai, both finishing with a tournament record 25-under total. Rory McIlroy narrowly missed out on joining the playoff, ending just one shot behind the leaders at the Yas Links Golf Course.
Having previously faced each other in a DP World Tour playoff, Fleetwood and Rai received praise from McIlroy for their performances as they prepared to compete for the championship title. Rai emerged victorious over Fleetwood in a previous encounter at the 2020 Scottish Open playoff.
McIlroy expressed frustration with his performance at the tournament, admitting to struggling with patience while Rai set a challenging pace. Despite feeling that he played well, McIlroy acknowledged the difficulty of staying competitive on the demanding golf course.
Reflecting on the competition, Fleetwood highlighted the importance of patience and commended Rai for his exceptional performance during the championship. The event showcased a high level of competition and excitement for both players as they vied for victory.
In other news, Sky announced a discounted Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the upcoming season, offering viewers access to over 1,400 live matches across various leagues. Sky will broadcast a minimum of 215 live Premier League games in the upcoming season, providing fans with an increased number of matches to enjoy.