With defending champion Rory McIlroy and world No 6 Henrik Stenson leading the field at this week’s Omega Dubai Desert Classic, we look at five other players who could challenge at Emirates Golf Club. Play starts Thursday.
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MARTIN KAYMER
The German comes into the tournament somewhat under the radar, despite his CV and, in particular, his record around the Majlis. In six starts, Kaymer has finished runner-up once and fourth three times — the most recent coming last year. A double major champion who loves the desert, he has all the tools to add to his three Abu Dhabi victories.
THOMAS PIETERS
Another Belgian big-hitter, that should stand him in good stead this week, since the Majlis favours bombers. Pieters underlined his credentials in Abu Dhabi two weeks ago, finishing second to eventual winner Rickie Fowler. However, a poor show last time out in Qatar was not helped by a bout of illness. Must improve on last year’s 42nd in Dubai, but that was his debut.
ANDY SULLIVAN
The likeable Englishman has enjoyed a rapid rise these past 12 months, helped by brilliant recent performances in the UAE, with a runner-up finish at the November DP World Tour Championship and then holding the 54-hole lead in Abu Dhabi in his last outing. Has previous on the Majlis, too, coming home 12th on debut in 2013 and then tied-fourth last year.
THORBJORN OLESEN
Seems an obvious choice given his runner-up finish in last week’s Qatar Masters, but the Dane is patently comfortable at Emirates Golf Club as well. Olesen may have missed the cut there last year, but before that he posted a couple of fine finishes: tied-third in 2013 and tied-fifth 12 months later. In good nick for at least a repeat.
BYEONG HUN AN
The reigning European Tour rookie of the year, An is fast fulfilling his undoubted potential. Fifth place in Abu Dhabi two weeks ago highlighted a continuation of his 2015, while he has never finished outside the top 15 in five desert appearances. That includes tied-13th on debut in Dubai last year. On form, too, with four top fives in past six starts on the circuit.
FIGHT INFO
Men’s 60kg Round 1:
Ahmad Shuja Jamal (AFG) beat Krisada Takhiankliang (THA) - points
Hyan Aljmyah (SYR) beat Akram Alyminee (YEM) - retired Round 1
Ibrahim Bilal (UAE) beat Bhanu Pratap Pandit (IND) - TKO Round 1
Men’s 71kg Round 1:
Seyed Kaveh Soleyman (IRI) beat Abedel Rahman (JOR) - RSC round 3.
Amine Al Moatassime (UAE) walk over Ritiz Puri (NEP)
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When Umm Kulthum performed in Abu Dhabi
Known as The Lady of Arabic Song, Umm Kulthum performed in Abu Dhabi on November 28, 1971, as part of celebrations for the fifth anniversary of the accession of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan as Ruler of Abu Dhabi. A concert hall was constructed for the event on land that is now Al Nahyan Stadium, behind Al Wahda Mall. The audience were treated to many of Kulthum's most well-known songs as part of the sold-out show, including Aghadan Alqak and Enta Omri.
T20 SQUADS
Australia: Aaron Finch (c), Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey, Ashton Agar, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Chris Lynn, Nathan Lyon, Glenn Maxwell, Ben McDermott, D’Arcy Short, Billy Stanlake, Mitchell Starc, Andrew Tye, Adam Zampa.
Pakistan: Sarfraz Ahmed (c), Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Hafeez, Sahibzada Farhan, Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Asif Ali, Hussain Talat, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan Shinwari, Hassan Ali, Imad Wasim, Waqas Maqsood, Faheem Ashraf.
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Planes grounded by coronavirus
British Airways: Cancels all direct flights to and from mainland China
Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific: Cutting capacity to/from mainland China by 50 per cent from Jan. 30
Chicago-based United Airlines: Reducing flights to Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong
Ai Seoul: Suspended all flights to China
Finnair: Suspending flights to Nanjing and Beijing Daxing until the end of March
Indonesia's Lion Air: Suspending all flights to China from February
South Korea's Asiana Airlines, Jeju Air and Jin Air: Suspend all flights
Keane on …
Liverpool’s Uefa Champions League bid: “They’re great. With the attacking force they have, for me, they’re certainly one of the favourites. You look at the teams left in it - they’re capable of scoring against anybody at any given time. Defensively they’ve been good, so I don’t see any reason why they couldn’t go on and win it.”
Mohamed Salah’s debut campaign at Anfield: “Unbelievable. He’s been phenomenal. You can name the front three, but for him on a personal level, he’s been unreal. He’s been great to watch and hopefully he can continue now until the end of the season - which I’m sure he will, because he’s been in fine form. He’s been incredible this season.”
Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s instant impact at former club LA Galaxy: “Brilliant. It’s been a great start for him and for the club. They were crying out for another big name there. They were lacking that, for the prestige of LA Galaxy. And now they have one of the finest stars. I hope they can go win something this year.”
