McIlory heads quality field in Dubai
BY Bruce Young | 09 Feb 2012
The Dubai Desert Classic brings to an end another great Desert Swing for the European Tour and with three of the world’s four leading players in this week’s field the finale promises to be something pretty special.
The event is being played for the 23rd occasion, all but two of those played at this week’s venue, the Karl Litten designed Emirates Golf Club
Rory McIlory, Lee Westwood and Martin Kaymer head the list, McIlory the only one of the three who has won this event but all three having played the event well when they have competed.
McIlory broke through for his maiden European Tour victory when he defeated Justin Rose by one shot in 2009 and he is currently in the sort of form that could well see him win again.
McIlory finished runner-up in his most recent start in Abu Dhabi and having finished 6th and 10th in this event in addition to his victory his chances look good.
Westwood interestingly has not won here although of course he has won in Dubai at the Dubai World Championship. The Englishman has done well enough in his opening two events of the season to challenge McIlory.
Kaymer’s record here is not great but neither is it bad and he can boast a very good record in the Middle East generally. Kaymer finished 9th last week in Qatar.
Alvaro Quiros is the defending champion who coming from eight shots off the 36 hole pace last year to win by one. A hole in one in his final round aided his cause as he became one of only three players in the history of the European Tour hole in one en route to victory in a final round.
Quiros’ concern in attempting to successfully defend is his current form having played his opening two events of the season without looking like contending.
Australians in the event include the former winner, (1997), Richard Green, Marcus Fraser, Andrew Dodt, Brett Rumford and Matthew Zions.
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