The Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship is heating up, and the drama is far from over! With Aaron Rai pulling ahead, Tommy Fleetwood hot on his heels, and Rory McIlroy refusing to back down, this tournament is shaping up to be a nail-biter. But here’s where it gets controversial: can Rai hold onto his lead, or will Fleetwood’s experience and McIlroy’s late surge steal the spotlight? Let’s dive into the action.
Aaron Rai emerged as the frontrunner after a stellar performance at Yas Links on Saturday, carding a 66 with just one bogey on the 17th to mar his otherwise flawless round. This gave him a one-shot advantage over Tommy Fleetwood, the Ryder Cup standout, who shares second place with Denmark’s Nicolai Hojgaard. Rai’s explosive start—turning in 31 with five front-nine birdies—briefly extended his lead to three shots, but Fleetwood and Hojgaard’s closing birdies kept the pressure on.
Rai, currently ranked 30th in the world and fresh off his Wyndham Championship win last year, isn’t taking anything for granted. “This is one of the biggest events on the DP World Tour,” he said. “To have a chance going into the weekend is great, but there’s still a long way to go with so many talented players in the mix.” And this is the part most people miss: while Rai’s lead is slim, his confidence and consistency could be the keys to victory—or his downfall if the pressure mounts.
Fleetwood, meanwhile, delivered a masterclass in patience with a bogey-free 67, featuring an eagle and three birdies. “It was a day of staying composed,” he reflected. “Aaron played phenomenally, and it’s not easy keeping up with that kind of performance.” Hojgaard’s 65, highlighted by eight birdies, proved he’s a force to be reckoned with as well.
Further down the leaderboard, Englishman Andy Sullivan sits tied for fifth at 17 under, two shots ahead of Shane Lowry and Jordan Smith. Rory McIlroy, leading the Race to Dubai standings, made a strong push with six birdies in his first 11 holes, but his momentum waned as the wind picked up. Despite trailing Rai by six shots, McIlroy’s seven-birdie round (66) keeps him in contention—especially if the leaders stumble on Sunday.
Here’s the burning question: Can McIlroy close the gap, or will Rai and Fleetwood’s battle for the top spot overshadow his late charge? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
For those eager to catch the action, the final round airs Sunday at 3:30 a.m. on Sky Sports Golf and Sky Sports Main Event. And if you’re not a Sky subscriber, no worries—you can stream the tournament contract-free. Don’t miss the DP World Tour Play-Offs concluding in Dubai this November. Who do you think will take the title? The stage is set for an unforgettable finish!