Golf in Dubai acted on Jeev Milkha Singh’s idea to bring Asian Tour to Dubai

Indian inspiration

Jeev Milkha Singh, an Asian Tour member and ambassador for Golf in Dubai, was given credit yesterday for the idea of bringing the Asian Tour to Dubai. “Much of our gratitude needs to go to Jeev for introducing the idea of an Asian Tour in Dubai because Asia is an important and close ally in this part of the world,” said Mohammed Juma Buamaim, the vice chairman and chief executive of Golf in Dubai, the tournament promoters and organisers. A two-time winner of the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit title, Jeev thanked Golf in Dubai and Dubai Sports City for supporting the Dubai Open and making it happen. “I had the idea and Mohamed was good enough to take that on board and make it happen,” he said.

Trophy tour

The Dubai Open championship trophy was put on show yesterday – a gold-sculpted camel meant to symbolise Arab heritage.

Progress for Dubai

A major tournament at The Els Club represents a step forward for Dubai Sports City, according to Buamaim. “Dubai Sports City was a desert not so long ago,” he said. “This project started 10 years ago, and what you see around here is the story of how Dubai has progressed. The Dubai Open will, hopefully, be another success for Dubai Sports City along with cricket, football, golf and many other different sports.”

Under pressure

Golfers sitting near the No 60 mark in the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit are feeling the heat as the 2014 season comes to a close this weekend. Those who finish in the top 60 secure a full Asian Tour card in 2015, which includes opportunities to compete in the co-sanctioned events with the European Tour. A trip to qualifying school potentially awaits those who fall below the cut-off mark. Rattanon Wannasrichan, a 19-year-old Thai, is ranked 59th and is trying to stay cool. “I will try to play my best and stick to my game plan. There is no pressure at all. I will aim to finish in the top 20, which should be safe enough for me.”

Familiar ground

David Howell will be playing in his hometown this week. The Englishman, 39, has a winning history here, too. He claimed the 1999 edition of Dubai Desert Classic, defeating Tiger Woods and Lee Westwood. “Memories of that win are still fresh,” he said. “It is something I still cherish.”

gmeenaghan@thenational.ae

THE SPECS

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Transmission: Constant Variable (CVT)

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Draw

Quarter-finals

Real Madrid (ESP) or Manchester City (ENG) v Juventus (ITA) or Lyon (FRA)

RB Leipzig (GER) v Atletico Madrid (ESP)

Barcelona (ESP) or Napoli (ITA) v Bayern Munich (GER) or Chelsea (ENG)

Atalanta (ITA) v Paris Saint-Germain (FRA)

Ties to be played August 12-15 in Lisbon

The low down on MPS

What is myofascial pain syndrome?

Myofascial pain syndrome refers to pain and inflammation in the body’s soft tissue. MPS is a chronic condition that affects the fascia (connective tissue that covers the muscles, which develops knots, also known as trigger points).

What are trigger points?

Trigger points are irritable knots in the soft tissue that covers muscle tissue. Through injury or overuse, muscle fibres contract as a reactive and protective measure, creating tension in the form of hard and, palpable nodules. Overuse and sustained posture are the main culprits in developing trigger points.

What is myofascial or trigger-point release?

Releasing these nodules requires a hands-on technique that involves applying gentle sustained pressure to release muscular shortness and tightness. This eliminates restrictions in connective tissue in orderto restore motion and alleviate pain. Therapy balls have proven effective at causing enough commotion in the tissue, prompting the release of these hard knots.

Dengue fever symptoms

High fever
Intense pain behind your eyes
Severe headache
Muscle and joint pains
Nausea
Vomiting
Swollen glands
Rash

If symptoms occur, they usually last for two-seven days

MEDIEVIL (1998)

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The Specs

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Sheer grandeur

The Owo building is 14 storeys high, seven of which are below ground, with the 30,000 square feet of amenities located subterranean, including a 16-seat private cinema, seven lounges, a gym, games room, treatment suites and bicycle storage.

A clear distinction between the residences and the Raffles hotel with the amenities operated separately.