Fired Up Jiménez Returns To Abu Dhabi Golf Championship
Veteran Spaniard To ‘Light Up’ January Field
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Release date: 31st December 2007
Abu Dhabi, UAE: Cigar-smoking Miguel Angel Jiménez – one of golf’s most colourful and well-respected personalities – is the latest world-wide star to sign-up for January’s European Tour sanctioned, Abu Dhabi Golf Championship, which runs from January 17-20 at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club’s National Course.

In the third edition of the UAE capital’s flagship sporting event, the legendary Spaniard, who in 2008 celebrates twenty years on the European Tour – joins a glittering field which includes defending champion Paul Casey; world number six, Australian pin-up Adam Scott; world number seven, Open Champion Padraig Harrington; Scottish legend Colin Montgomerie; Swedish number one Henrik Stenson; and England’s fashionable duo, Luke Donald and Ian Poulter.

Jiménez, whose Abu Dhabi finishes to date include fifth place in 2006, and tied second earlier this year, will be looking to go one better when he tees off in what is now regarded as the first big event on the European calendar.

“I’m excited about coming back to Abu Dhabi for a third straight year,” said Miguel.

“At 15-under, I finished just five shots off the fantastic pace set by Chris Di Marco in 2006, and I was only one shot off Casey earlier this year at 16 under. I shot a 65 on the second day and everything seemed to be running well going into the final two rounds.

Smokin’ Miguel Angel Jiménez will be in Abu Dhabi for third straight year

“Two rounds of 68 later – and some fairly steady all-round golf - and I was standing there watching Paul reach the clubhouse with his own 65 to take the win and trophy. That’s golf though, and I’m getting closer - there’s just one more step to take, which is always the hardest.

“It is a fantastic Championship to play in, and I’ve competed in a few. It’s getting better every year and is now well-established as a player’s favourite on the Tour,” added Jiménez.

A total prize fund of US$2 million and unique facilities make the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship one of the most attractive tournaments on the European Tour schedule ensuring even more world-class players will compete for the first prize of US$333,330.

“I’m sure Miguel will bring everything in his arsenal to make it third time lucky at the National. His return to the UAE capital speaks volumes for the way the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship is now viewed by the world’s top players. Professionals like Jiménez have played courses and tournaments in every corner of the world, so Miguel’s commitment to Abu Dhabi for the third year running is fantastic and should help further fuel spectator interest and international appeal of the Championship,” said Mubarak Al Muhari, Director General, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority.

With all four days of the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship being covered on live TV and reaching a global audience of over 140 million in key global markets, the 2008 championship formally begins on Wednesday, January 16 with the Al-Masaood Pro-Am and Awards Gala when sponsors and their guests will play and socialise with some of the world’s best professionals.

The Abu Dhabi Golf Championship 2008 has attracted a high profile sponsorship line up including: Etihad Airways and Aldar as Diamond Sponsors; Etisalat, Standard Chartered Bank and Emirates Palace as Platinum Sponsors; Nissan, Airbus, Rolls Royce, Omega and Xerox as Gold Sponsors, Gulf News as Official Newspaper, Radio 2 as Official Radio Station, Middle East Golfer as Official Magazine, AME Info as Official Media Partner and Cutter & Buck as official merchandise.

Tickets for the Championship remain at 2007 prices of AED 125 for a daily pass and AED 400 for a four-day pass though preferential rates of AED100 and AED300 respectively apply to UGA members. Children under 18 will be admitted free when accompanied by an adult. Car parking will be free during the Championship.

Tickets are available via the official website – www.abudhabigolfchampionship.com – online at www.timeouttickets.com and www.itptickets.com, via the ITP toll free hotline 800 4669 or for international clients, +971 4 210 8943 and at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club.