Ryder Cup talking points: home comforts, DeChambeau v Koepka, McIlroy's time to shine


John McAuley
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The 2020 Ryder Cup takes place, finally, from Friday after it was postponed last year because of the coronavirus pandemic. We look at some of the key talking points heading into Whistling Straits, as Europe seeks to retain the famous trophy on US soil.

Making most of home advantage

Trace back through the past seven Ryder Cups, and six of them have been won by the hosts. That trend can be attributed to a number of factors, but two in particular: the home camp set up the course to favour themselves, while the crowds have got only bigger and therefore more vociferous.

As to the latter, this year’s event, staged in Wisconsin, will welcome even less European fans because of tight Covid-19 travel restrictions — which will only strengthen United States’ chances.

OK, Whistling Straits’ position on Lake Michigan means American supporters will not encroach on Team Europe as they did at Hazeltine in 2016, but the partisan crowd will test greatly the visitors’ mettle. One crumb of comfort, though: that sole away win in the past seven clashes? The Miracle at Medinah, in 2012.

Bryson DeChambeau's rivalry with Brooks Koepka has provided plenty of entertainment the past couple of seasons. EPA
Bryson DeChambeau's rivalry with Brooks Koepka has provided plenty of entertainment the past couple of seasons. EPA

Bryson v Brooks a thrilling aside

One of the admittedly many intriguing subplots heading into Whistling Straits centres around the relationship between Bryon DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka. Or lack thereof.

The compatriots’ rivalry had provided plenty of entertainment the past couple of seasons, playing out in interviews and on social media — even if some claim the enmity is not all it’s made out to be.

However, US captain Steve Stricker was at pains to declare the feud has been “put to bed”, while DeChambeau has spoken this week about amicable dinners and discussions.

Meanwhile, videos abound on social media of the two enjoying a seemingly courteous companionship on the driving range. Contrived? Partnering the two during the first two days would certainly suggest not. Either way, it should make for fascinating viewing.

McIlroy turning the tap

Jon Rahm is world No 1, and Ian Poulter Mr Ryder Cup, but Rory McIlroy should typically exist as Team Europe’s greatest weapon against the US.

However, the four-time major winner has not enjoyed the best season — winning at Wells Fargo aside — stuck fiddling with his swing and registering only 7 top-10s in 21 starts. “Only”, given his supreme talent.

Yet McIlroy has grown to love the Ryder Cup following ill-advised comments before his debut in 2010. In fact, he has played every session possible since Celtic Manor, returning an impressive 11 victories and four halves from 24 matches.

He has also fully embraced his role as a leader within the team. Whistling Straights seems tailor-made for McIlroy’s power off the tee, as does a mouth-watering pairing with rookie Viktor Hovland. But can the former rise again to the occasion?

Lee Westwood, left, with European teammate Rory McIlroy at Whistling Straits. Getty
Lee Westwood, left, with European teammate Rory McIlroy at Whistling Straits. Getty

US rookies v Euro oldies

This US team includes six players who have never previously competed in the red-hot Ryder Cup heat. However, Collin Morikawa is a two-time major winner and current Open champion, Patrick Cantley the 2021 FedEx Cup winner and PGA player of the year, and Xander Schauffele a recent Olympic gold medallist.

They sit third, fourth and fifth, respectively, in the world rankings. Hardly especially green. Granted, the other trio — Harris English, Daniel Berger and Scottie Scheffler — have greater question marks against them.

In contrast, Europe have three newbies in Viktor Hovland, Shane Lowry and Bernd Wiesberger. Handling the pressure matters more this week than any other in golf, and maybe Europe’s veterans — Sergio Garcia (age 41), Paul Casey (44), Ian Poulter (45) and Lee Westwood (48) — will help manage better the strain. Or will the youthful exuberance of the US (average age 29) shine brighter?

US player Collin Morikawa is a two-time major winner and current Open champion. EPA
US player Collin Morikawa is a two-time major winner and current Open champion. EPA

Favourable set-up blown off track

As mentioned, perhaps the most telling “home” advantage is setting out the course in favour of your team. Thus, Whistling Straits will play wide and long (at 7,390 yards, it is the lengthiest course in Ryder Cup history).

Definitely, that suits the Americans. Eight of the hosts’ side sit inside the top 50 for driving distance on the PGA Tour this season, compared to only three on Team Europe.

Subsequently, the rough has been kept short, allowing the grip-it-and-rip-it brigade to jut out their chests on most tees. Still, it should be said that Whistling Straits won’t be quite as appealing a home venue as Hazeltine in 2016. With the wind forecast to blow, it should play more into Europe’s hands — Shane Lowry, anyone? And that’s potentially decisive in the underdogs’ chances of retaining the trophy.

Know before you go
  • Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
  • If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
  • By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
  • Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
  • Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.

 

What are the main cyber security threats?

Cyber crime - This includes fraud, impersonation, scams and deepfake technology, tactics that are increasingly targeting infrastructure and exploiting human vulnerabilities.
Cyber terrorism - Social media platforms are used to spread radical ideologies, misinformation and disinformation, often with the aim of disrupting critical infrastructure such as power grids.
Cyber warfare - Shaped by geopolitical tension, hostile actors seek to infiltrate and compromise national infrastructure, using one country’s systems as a springboard to launch attacks on others.

What the law says

Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.

“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.

“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”

If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.

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MATCH INFO

Final: England v South Africa, Saturday, 1pm

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THE SPECS

Engine: 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 petrol engine 

Power: 420kW

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Global Fungi Facts

• Scientists estimate there could be as many as 3 million fungal species globally
• Only about 160,000 have been officially described leaving around 90% undiscovered
• Fungi account for roughly 90% of Earth's unknown biodiversity
• Forest fungi help tackle climate change, absorbing up to 36% of global fossil fuel emissions annually and storing around 5 billion tonnes of carbon in the planet's topsoil

The specs

Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors

Power: Combined output 920hp

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Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic

Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km

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The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo

Power: 201hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 320Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm

Transmission: 6-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 8.7L/100km

Price: Dh133,900

On sale: now 

Labour dispute

The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.


- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law 

What is hepatitis?

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver, which can lead to fibrosis (scarring), cirrhosis or liver cancer.

There are 5 main hepatitis viruses, referred to as types A, B, C, D and E.

Hepatitis C is mostly transmitted through exposure to infective blood. This can occur through blood transfusions, contaminated injections during medical procedures, and through injecting drugs. Sexual transmission is also possible, but is much less common.

People infected with hepatitis C experience few or no symptoms, meaning they can live with the virus for years without being diagnosed. This delay in treatment can increase the risk of significant liver damage.

There are an estimated 170 million carriers of Hepatitis C around the world.

The virus causes approximately 399,000 fatalities each year worldwide, according to WHO.

 

Pathaan
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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'Gold'

Director:Anthony Hayes

Stars:Zaf Efron, Anthony Hayes

Rating:3/5

Dolittle

Director: Stephen Gaghan

Stars: Robert Downey Jr, Michael Sheen

One-and-a-half out of five stars

The specs
 
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
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
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
SPEC%20SHEET
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FROM%20THE%20ASHES
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Specs

Engine: 51.5kW electric motor

Range: 400km

Power: 134bhp

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Jetour T1 specs

Engine: 2-litre turbocharged

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Ruwais timeline

1971 Abu Dhabi National Oil Company established

1980 Ruwais Housing Complex built, located 10 kilometres away from industrial plants

1982 120,000 bpd capacity Ruwais refinery complex officially inaugurated by the founder of the UAE Sheikh Zayed

1984 Second phase of Ruwais Housing Complex built. Today the 7,000-unit complex houses some 24,000 people.  

1985 The refinery is expanded with the commissioning of a 27,000 b/d hydro cracker complex

2009 Plans announced to build $1.2 billion fertilizer plant in Ruwais, producing urea

2010 Adnoc awards $10bn contracts for expansion of Ruwais refinery, to double capacity from 415,000 bpd

2014 Ruwais 261-outlet shopping mall opens

2014 Production starts at newly expanded Ruwais refinery, providing jet fuel and diesel and allowing the UAE to be self-sufficient for petrol supplies

2014 Etihad Rail begins transportation of sulphur from Shah and Habshan to Ruwais for export

2017 Aldar Academies to operate Adnoc’s schools including in Ruwais from September. Eight schools operate in total within the housing complex.

2018 Adnoc announces plans to invest $3.1 billion on upgrading its Ruwais refinery 

2018 NMC Healthcare selected to manage operations of Ruwais Hospital

2018 Adnoc announces new downstream strategy at event in Abu Dhabi on May 13

Source: The National

The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.

Part three: an affection for classic cars lives on

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

Read part one: how cars came to the UAE

WHAT IS A BLACK HOLE?

1. Black holes are objects whose gravity is so strong not even light can escape their pull

2. They can be created when massive stars collapse under their own weight

3. Large black holes can also be formed when smaller ones collide and merge

4. The biggest black holes lurk at the centre of many galaxies, including our own

5. Astronomers believe that when the universe was very young, black holes affected how galaxies formed

Updated: September 24, 2021, 3:48 AM`