Ahead of the 2017 Omega Dubai Desert Classic, starting Thursday, John McAuley gives his picks of the five players to watch out for.
Martin Kaymer
Known more for his record around Abu Dhabi’s National Course, the German has done plenty to impress on the Majlis, too. In seven starts, Kaymer has finished runner-up once and fourth three times, although last year he missed the cut. However, his tied-fourth in the capital two weeks ago suggested the two-time major champion’s game is in decent nick.
Rafa Cabrera Bello
A Desert Swing specialist, the Dubai resident loves the Middle East, as evidenced by his 2012 Dubai win, while last year he finished runner-up in both Dubai and Qatar. The Spaniard has already shown signs of early season form, at one point leading in Abu Dhabi before coming home just inside the top 20. Last week, Cabrera Bello finished tied-sixth in Qatar.
Tyrrell Hatton
One of the rising stars of the European Tour, Hatton enjoyed an excellent conclusion to last season, posting a first victory and three more top 10s from six events. That form carried over into 2017, with the Englishman leading going into the final round in Abu Dhabi before finishing tied-13th. Likes the Majlis, having finished tied-eighth last year.
Chris Wood
A welcome return to form last week in Qatar, where the 2013 winner came home tied-11th. Wood certainly has the tools to prosper in Dubai as well, on a course that plays to his length off the tee and, should it get windy as expected, will suit too. Boasts a strong record on the Majlis: tied-10th in 2011 and tied-eighth last year.
Andy Sullivan
A poor start to 2017 suggests not, but the three-time winner on tour should contend in Dubai again this week. Sullivan was joint-second last year, tied-fourth in 2015 and tied-12th in 2013, so clearly enjoys the Majlis. Plus, he played his way back into form last week, contending at the halfway stage in Qatar before eventually finishing tied-28th. Began last season poorly, then starred in Dubai.
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Other acts on the Jazz Garden bill
Sharrie Williams
The American singer is hugely respected in blues circles due to her passionate vocals and songwriting. Born and raised in Michigan, Williams began recording and touring as a teenage gospel singer. Her career took off with the blues band The Wiseguys. Such was the acclaim of their live shows that they toured throughout Europe and in Africa. As a solo artist, Williams has also collaborated with the likes of the late Dizzy Gillespie, Van Morrison and Mavis Staples.
Lin Rountree
An accomplished smooth jazz artist who blends his chilled approach with R‘n’B. Trained at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, DC, Rountree formed his own band in 2004. He has also recorded with the likes of Kem, Dwele and Conya Doss. He comes to Dubai on the back of his new single Pass The Groove, from his forthcoming 2018 album Stronger Still, which may follow his five previous solo albums in cracking the top 10 of the US jazz charts.
Anita Williams
Dubai-based singer Anita Williams will open the night with a set of covers and swing, jazz and blues standards that made her an in-demand singer across the emirate. The Irish singer has been performing in Dubai since 2008 at venues such as MusicHall and Voda Bar. Her Jazz Garden appearance is career highlight as she will use the event to perform the original song Big Blue Eyes, the single from her debut solo album, due for release soon.
Dubai World Cup Carnival card
6.30pm: UAE 1000 Guineas Trial Conditions (TB) US$100,000 (Dirt) 1,400m
7.05pm: Handicap (TB) $135,000 (Turf) 1,000m
7.40pm: Handicap (TB) $175,000 (D) 1,900m
8.15pm: Meydan Challenge Listed Handicap (TB) $175,000 (T) 1,400m
8.50pm: Dubai Stakes Group 3 (TB) $200,000 (D) 1,200m
9.25pm: Dubai Racing Club Classic Listed Handicap (TB) $175,000 (T) 2,410m
The National selections
6.30pm: Final Song
7.05pm: Pocket Dynamo
7.40pm: Dubai Icon
8.15pm: Dubai Legacy
8.50pm: Drafted
9.25pm: Lucius Tiberius
BULKWHIZ PROFILE
Date started: February 2017
Founders: Amira Rashad (CEO), Yusuf Saber (CTO), Mahmoud Sayedahmed (adviser), Reda Bouraoui (adviser)
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: E-commerce
Size: 50 employees
Funding: approximately $6m
Investors: Beco Capital, Enabling Future and Wain in the UAE; China's MSA Capital; 500 Startups; Faith Capital and Savour Ventures in Kuwait
Moon Music
Artist: Coldplay
Label: Parlophone/Atlantic
Number of tracks: 10
Rating: 3/5
Result
UAE (S. Tagliabue 90 1') 1-2 Uzbekistan (Shokhruz Norkhonov 48', 86')
UAE rugby in numbers
5 - Year sponsorship deal between Hesco and Jebel Ali Dragons
700 - Dubai Hurricanes had more than 700 playing members last season between their mini and youth, men's and women's teams
Dh600,000 - Dubai Exiles' budget for pitch and court hire next season, for their rugby, netball and cricket teams
Dh1.8m - Dubai Hurricanes' overall budget for next season
Dh2.8m - Dubai Exiles’ overall budget for next season
Scorline
Iraq 1-0 UAE
Iraq Hussein 28’
