Aaron Rai has secured a narrow one-shot lead as the 2025 Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship heads into its final round on Sunday. The English golfer, aiming for his first DP World Tour title in five years, delivered a stellar performance on Saturday, carding a six-under 66 to finish at 20-under-par. Rai, who last triumphed at the 2020 Scottish Championship, is now poised to add another Rolex Series title to his resume.
Rai’s round was marked by precision and consistency. He dominated the front nine with a 31, including five birdies, and added two more on the 11th and 14th holes. His only setback came on the 17th, where a bogey reduced his lead to one stroke. Rai’s closest competitors, Tommy Fleetwood and Nicolai Højgaard, are tied at 19-under. Fleetwood, a Dubai resident, shot a 67 with an eagle and three birdies, while Højgaard posted an impressive 65, featuring eight birdies and a single bogey.
Spain’s Nacho Elvira trails closely at 18-under, with Andy Sullivan and Daniel Hillier sharing fifth place at 17-under. The tournament has seen exceptional play, with only two players shooting over par in the third round, thanks to the pristine course conditions and minimal wind.
Reflecting on his performance, Rai emphasized the importance of balance and focus. ‘You’ve got to stick to how you see the course,’ he said. ‘If you play well, opportunities present themselves, but getting too aggressive can backfire quickly.’ He added that winning the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship would be ‘special,’ given its stature as one of the DP World Tour’s premier events.
The final round will commence at 7:02 am, with the leading trio of Rai, Fleetwood, and Højgaard teeing off at 11:25 am. Golf enthusiasts can expect a thrilling conclusion to this high-stakes competition.