European Tour
For the second year running, the Dubai Dessert classic will be staged over the stunning Majlis Course. The golf course has been slightly lengthened with a many of the greens being reshaped. The tournament organisers expect the field to welcome these changes.
Defending champion Thomas Bjorn will have to beat a field including 7 former champions and players with 16 majors to their name if he is to retain his title.
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2002-01-01
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DUBAI DESSERT CLASSIC |
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Thomas Bjorn will aim to become the first successful defending champion in the history of the tournament. He won last year over world no.1 Tiger Woods after four classic days of golf when the two golfers were paired together throughout. It wasn’t even until the 72nd hole that the tournament was actually decided.
The 30-year-old Dane will be as familiar as any other golfer with the course as he spends the winter months residing in Dubai. His previous success, powerful hitting and familiarity with the course bode well for a successful defence.
The form player coming into the Dubai Classic is without a doubt Ernie Els, who took a seven shot lead into the final round of the Genuity championship. His best price of 11/2 may not represent the best value; he is none the less in too hot to ignore. Els has not been a regular in this tournament, although he did win back in 1994.
Seven-times European Order of Merit Number One, Colin Montgomerie will be looking to repeat his 1996 triumph. His overall record in Dubai is consistently good with several top 20 finishes.
Monty is no stranger to Dubai having played a main role in the design of a neighbouring golf course. He is sure to receive great support, something the Big Scot will thrive from. As with Bjorn, Monty will aim to become the first player to win the competition for a second time.
Padrig Harrington is rated as the second favourite at 12/1 of the championship, which is probably more down to his tied second place with Tiger Woods last year.
Further down the list in the betting is Greg Owen which does seem to represent superb value for a player who has finished just outside the top ten for the past few years.
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| Betting Information |
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2pts Els to win at 11/2
1pt Bjorn to win at 25/1
1pt Owen to win at 80/1
Following his superb victory only last week, Ernie Els cannot be ignored even at the rather stingy price of 11/2.
Although Thomas Bjorn is yet to hit form this season, he is also considered worthy of a place in the staking plan. He knows the course as well as anyone, but more importantly will still have the win from last year fairly fresh in his mind.
Despite no player yet to win this tournament twice, this is a trend that cannot go on forever.
Finally Greg Owen is definitely worth a small punt at the big price of 80/1. Previous winners have often finished just outside the top 10 before going to take the big prize, and Owen fits snuggly into this category.
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