Michael van Gerwen is looking to extend his monopoly on the Dubai Duty Free Darts Masters title into a fourth season as action starts at Dubai Tennis Stadium on Thursday but the Dutchman has plenty of competition, Paul Radley writes.
The pedigree of those vying to become the only name other than Van Gerwen to be inscribed on the Dallah Trophy is rich.
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Michael van Gerwen
The Dutch master might wish all darts events were played in the open air. He has never been beaten in the pro circuit’s only outdoors event, and he completed a hat-trick of Dubai titles last year. But then the world No 1 is pretty handy when the oche is indoors, too. The world No 1 won the Premier League last week in London, and is clearly the man to beat this weekend.
Gary Anderson
The Scotsman arrived in Dubai for the first time last season as the newly-crowned world champion, but his challenge for the title fell short, and he was livid about something that had been shouted at him from the raucous crowd.Twelve months on and he is still the world champion. He defended that title in January by beating Adrian Lewis in the final of a competition in which he also threw a perfect nine-dart finish.
Phil Taylor
The 16-time world champion has cut a frustrated figure on each of his trips to Dubai to date, as he has failed to make a significant impression on the Masters, let alone win it. The sport’s most decorated player obviously remains a contender, though, as he showed in reaching the final of the Premier League Darts in London.
Adrian Lewis
A Dubai regular, “Jackpot” is perhaps the one player who has been most visibly affected by the unique conditions of playing outdoors at the Aviation Club in the past. The amiable Englishman, who was defeated in the final of the world championship at the start of the year, is looking for a first Dubai Darts Masters title.
Peter Wright
The elaborately garbed Scotsman seems to have a rare knack for riling his opponents, if previous Dubai Darts Masters are anything to go by. Fifth in the world darts order of merit, “Snakebite” has had his detractors among his playing colleagues in previous years, but his matches are rarely dull.
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Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Greatest Royal Rumble results
John Cena pinned Triple H in a singles match
Cedric Alexander retained the WWE Cruiserweight title against Kalisto
Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt win the Raw Tag Team titles against Cesaro and Sheamus
Jeff Hardy retained the United States title against Jinder Mahal
Bludgeon Brothers retain the SmackDown Tag Team titles against the Usos
Seth Rollins retains the Intercontinental title against The Miz, Finn Balor and Samoa Joe
AJ Styles remains WWE World Heavyweight champion after he and Shinsuke Nakamura are both counted out
The Undertaker beats Rusev in a casket match
Brock Lesnar retains the WWE Universal title against Roman Reigns in a steel cage match
Braun Strowman won the 50-man Royal Rumble by eliminating Big Cass last
SPECS
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THE%20SPECS
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UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
Chef Nobu's advice for eating sushi
“One mistake people always make is adding extra wasabi. There is no need for this, because it should already be there between the rice and the fish.
“When eating nigiri, you must dip the fish – not the rice – in soy sauce, otherwise the rice will collapse. Also, don’t use too much soy sauce or it will make you thirsty. For sushi rolls, dip a little of the rice-covered roll lightly in soy sauce and eat in one bite.
“Chopsticks are acceptable, but really, I recommend using your fingers for sushi. Do use chopsticks for sashimi, though.
“The ginger should be eaten separately as a palette cleanser and used to clear the mouth when switching between different pieces of fish.”
The biog
From: Ras Al Khaimah
Age: 50
Profession: Electronic engineer, worked with Etisalat for the past 20 years
Hobbies: 'Anything that involves exploration, hunting, fishing, mountaineering, the sea, hiking, scuba diving, and adventure sports'
Favourite quote: 'Life is so simple, enjoy it'
If you go
Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Centre has unparalleled views of the Indian River. Alligators can be spotted from hotel room balconies, as can several rocket launch sites. The hotel also boasts cool space-themed decor.
When to go: Florida is best experienced during the winter months, from November to May, before the humidity kicks in.
How to get there: Emirates currently flies from Dubai to Orlando five times a week.
What are the GCSE grade equivalents?
- Grade 9 = above an A*
- Grade 8 = between grades A* and A
- Grade 7 = grade A
- Grade 6 = just above a grade B
- Grade 5 = between grades B and C
- Grade 4 = grade C
- Grade 3 = between grades D and E
- Grade 2 = between grades E and F
- Grade 1 = between grades F and G
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Price, base / as tested Dh460,000
Engine 8.4L V10
Transmission Six-speed manual
Power 645hp @ 6,200rpm
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Fuel economy, combined 16.8L / 100km
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: HyperSpace
Started: 2020
Founders: Alexander Heller, Rama Allen and Desi Gonzalez
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Entertainment
Number of staff: 210
Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners
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Engine: 5.0-litre V8
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Engine: 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol
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How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
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