Thani al Qamzi's hopes and expectations for a first powerboat racing world title have never been higher.
The Team Abu Dhabi's Emirati driver is confident about his chances as the World Championship series moves to China with races today and tomorrow.
Al Qamzi is heading into the first race in Liuzhou on 65 points, 10 more than the defending champion, Jay Price, the American driver racing under the Qatar flag.
Team Abu Dhabi's second Emirati, Ahmad al Hameli (47 points) is in fourth place, five points behind the Swede Jonas Andersson in third.
"There are four races in three weeks and not a lot of time after these two races before we go to Shenzhen," said al Qamzi. "So we need to make sure that we look after the boats and don't spoil our chances in the next two races as well.
"I have had a great start and want to finish on top this time. This is a great opportunity to win the world title, which is my ultimate goal. So the four races in China will be crucial before we get back to the more familiar waters in Qatar, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah."
The two races in Liuzhou will be followed by next week's event at Shenzhen (October 17-18), Qatar (November 27-28), Abu Dhabi (December 4-5) and Sharjah (December 10-11).
Confident though he is, Al Qamzi, who didn't score a point last year until the last two races, in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, says the championship is still far from decided. "A win carries 20 points and with 10 races left, it is still a wide open competition. I had problems with the boat last season until returning to Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. But this year everything has gone to plan and I'm looking forward to the races in China before I return to the familiar waters in the Gulf."
apassela@thenational.ae
Points tally
1. Australia 52; 2. New Zealand 44; 3. South Africa 36; 4. Sri Lanka 35; 5. UAE 27; 6. India 27; 7. England 26; 8. Singapore 8; 9. Malaysia 3
RACECARD
6pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-1 – Group 1 (PA) $50,000 (Dirt) 1,600m
6.35pm: Festival City Stakes – Conditions (TB) $60,000 (D) 1,200m
7.10pm: Dubai Racing Club Classic – Listed (TB) $100,000 (Turf) 2,410m
7.45pm: Jumeirah Classic Trial – Conditions (TB) $150,000 (T) 1,400m
8.20pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-1 – Group 2 (TB) $250,000 (D) 1,600m
8.55pm: Cape Verdi – Group 2 (TB) $180,000 (T) 1,600m
9.30pm: Dubai Dash – Listed (TB) $100,000 (T) 1,000m
How it works
1) The liquid nanoclay is a mixture of water and clay that aims to convert desert land to fertile ground
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3) One application is said to last five years
4) The cost of treatment per hectare (2.4 acres) of desert varies from $7,000 to $10,000 per hectare
Donating your hair
• Your hair should be least 30 cms long, as some of the hair is lost during manufacturing of the wigs.
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T20 World Cup Qualifier, Muscat
UAE FIXTURES
Friday February 18: v Ireland
Saturday February 19: v Germany
Monday February 21: v Philippines
Tuesday February 22: semi-finals
Thursday February 24: final
The biog
Age: 46
Number of Children: Four
Hobby: Reading history books
Loves: Sports
MATCH INFO
Juventus 1 (Dybala 45')
Lazio 3 (Alberto 16', Lulic 73', Cataldi 90 4')
Red card: Rodrigo Bentancur (Juventus)
THE BIO
Favourite car: Koenigsegg Agera RS or Renault Trezor concept car.
Favourite book: I Am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes or Red Notice by Bill Browder.
Biggest inspiration: My husband Nik. He really got me through a lot with his positivity.
Favourite holiday destination: Being at home in Australia, as I travel all over the world for work. It’s great to just hang out with my husband and family.
