Rory McIlroy’s brilliant reaction after Abu Dhabi Championship heartache | Golf | Sport

Rory McIlroy showed his class after very narrowly missing out on competing in a play-off for the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship. Tommy Fleetwood and Aaron Rai battled it out after both finished on a tournament record 25-under par. McIlroy came agonisingly close at the Yas Links Golf Course, finishing just one stroke behind the leading pair.

As Fleetwood and Rai, who have previously met in a DP World Tour play-off, prepared for the decider, the Northern Irishman demonstrated his sportsmanship. McIlroy congratulated both players on their impressive performances, shaking hands with the pair.

The two Englishmen have history, having previously competed at the 2020 Scottish Open. On that occasion, Rai emerged victorious over Fleetwood, securing par on the first additional hole whilst Fleetwood recorded a bogey. And it was Rai who again got the better of Fleetwood here, with a birdie at the first hole.

McIlroy was under considerable pressure before his exit from the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship. During the weekend, the five-time Major champion acknowledged his difficulties keeping his composure as Rai led the field.

“It seems like the last seven holes haven’t really given me much this week,” said McIlroy. “I made bogey on 14, trying to go for the green, but finished well.

“I gave myself some chances. And yeah, it sort of feels like a week that I left a few out there every day. Even today, I felt like today was the best that I played.

“After 11, it could have been a really good round, and stalled a little bit, and that’s the reason that I’m six back from Aaron and Nico at this point.”