Rory McIlroy is returning to defend his Hero Dubai Desert Classic crown next year when he will target a historic fourth title.
Ryder Cup hero Mcllroy is set to headline a world-class field at the first Rolex Series event of the 2024 Race to Dubai at the Emirates Golf Club from January 18-24.
Dubai is a happy-hunting ground for the 34-year-old Northern Irishman, who earned his first European Tour title at the event in 2009, before claiming his second and third Desert Classic trophies 2015 and 2023 – matching the record of Ernie Els when he edged out American Patrick Reed on a dramatic final day over the Majlis Course in January.
The four-time major winner went on to add a second Rolex Series title at the Scottish Open in July, and once again leads the Race to Dubai as he aims to top the season-long rankings for a fifth time.
“It meant a lot to lift the Dallah Trophy for a third time,” said McIlroy. “I’ve enjoyed a lot of success at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic over the years, so adding another title was the perfect way to start the year.
“I love coming to Dubai and the support we get from fans is always special. I look forward to getting back to Emirates Golf Club in January, and hopefully creating a bit of history.”
McIlroy has just played a key role in Europe regaining the Ryder Cup from the United States when Luke Donald's team triumphed 16½-11½ at the Marco Simone Golf Club near Rome earlier this month.
The Northern Irishman delivered his best Ryder Cup return of four points, two years on from breaking down in tears when Europe were humbled 19-9 by the Americans at Whistling Straits.
Smon Corkill, Executive Tournament Director of Hero Dubai Desert Classic, said: “We are delighted to confirm Rory will return to defend his title and will be striving for a historic fourth win.
“Our Roll of Honour features an illustrious cast of golf’s most notable names, and I am sure we will have a worthy champion to join this star-studded list and lift the Dallah Trophy in January.”
Fans can register now to claim their free general admission tickets and limited special offer early bird hospitality tickets for the Dallah Lounge terraces, with more information available at www.dubaidesertclassic.com.
Diriyah%20project%20at%20a%20glance
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Maestro
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Who was Alfred Nobel?
The Nobel Prize was created by wealthy Swedish chemist and entrepreneur Alfred Nobel.
- In his will he dictated that the bulk of his estate should be used to fund "prizes to those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind".
- Nobel is best known as the inventor of dynamite, but also wrote poetry and drama and could speak Russian, French, English and German by the age of 17. The five original prize categories reflect the interests closest to his heart.
- Nobel died in 1896 but it took until 1901, following a legal battle over his will, before the first prizes were awarded.
The specs: 2018 Mercedes-Benz E 300 Cabriolet
Price, base / as tested: Dh275,250 / Dh328,465
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder
Power: 245hp @ 5,500rpm
Torque: 370Nm @ 1,300rpm
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
Fuel consumption, combined: 7.0L / 100km
TRAINING FOR TOKYO
A typical week's training for Sebastian, who is competing at the ITU Abu Dhabi World Triathlon on March 8-9:
- Four swim sessions (14km)
- Three bike sessions (200km)
- Four run sessions (45km)
- Two strength and conditioning session (two hours)
- One session therapy session at DISC Dubai
- Two-three hours of stretching and self-maintenance of the body
ITU Abu Dhabi World Triathlon
For more information go to www.abudhabi.triathlon.org.
Company%20profile
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COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
The biog
Name: Greg Heinricks
From: Alberta, western Canada
Record fish: 56kg sailfish
Member of: International Game Fish Association
Company: Arabian Divers and Sportfishing Charters
Australia tour of Pakistan
March 4-8: First Test, Rawalpindi
March 12-16: Second Test, Karachi
March 21-25: Third Test, Lahore
March 29: First ODI, Rawalpindi
March 31: Second ODI, Rawalpindi
April 2: Third ODI, Rawalpindi
April 5: T20I, Rawalpindi
SPECS
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