Tag Archives: horse-racing
Gutsy Stephen Gallacher grabs Dubai double
Gutsy Stephen Gallacher grabs Dubai double (AFP) / 2 February 2014 The 39-year-old Scot became the first player to successfully defend the Dubai Desert Classic on Sunday. Stephen Gallacher birdied two of the last three holes on Sunday to become the first player to successfully defend the Dubai Desert Classic. Starting the day two strokes clear of the field, the 39-year-old Scot was reeled in by the time he walked off the second green as he strayed off the tee. But instead of going under after four bogeys in nine holes, he battled back and, on a day of high drama, emerged in front again on the back nine and held his nerve over the last three holes. The target of 15 under was set by Argentinian upstart Emiliano Grillo, who sunk a 40-footer for eagle at the par-five last after his over-cooked second outrageously rebounded back onto the green off an hospitality tent. Gallacher drew level with a birdie at 16 and then a sublime chip from the greenside rough for birdie at the next eased him back ahead. He needed to par the last to win and he managed that by sinking an edgy three-footer after his third shot had spun back too far to the edge of the front of the green. The title defence was something that other former winners such as Tiger Woods, Ernie Els and Seve Ballesteros were unable to accomplish and it revived Gallacher’s hopes of playing in the Ryder Cup in Scotland in September. “It took everything I had after the poor front nine, but I just tried to build on yesterday (63) and stay patient,” he said. “I was quite fortunate that no-one ran away with it and I just tried to hit every shot at a time, just like yesterday. “I knew a five was going to win it and it’s the only time that I’ve hit a back spin like that all week and it’s nearly gone in the water. “But yesterday was the key – to be 10 under through 10 holes. “I wish I could play this course every week.” Grillo was solo in second for the biggest prize of his fledging career so far with France’s Romain Wattel and Brooks Koepka of the United States a further stroke back on 14 under after a 66 and 70 respectively. Tournament favourite Rory McIlroy endured a torrid final day and could only manage a 74 and a tie for ninth. Woods, meanwhile, finished with a flourish, birdieing his final three holes for a closing 71. But he was already, at the start of the day, too far behind to have any say in the proceedings as he left Dubai tied for 41 st and still looking to kick his 2014 season into full gear. “Unfortunately I turned it around too late,” he commented. For more news from Khaleej Times, follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/khaleejtimes , and on Twitter at @khaleejtimes Continue reading
Shaikh Khalifa stands for democracy, says Fujairah Ruler
Shaikh Khalifa stands for democracy, says Fujairah Ruler (Wam) / 3 February 2014 Shaikh Hamad said Emirati citizens have the right to be proud of their country as day after day the country is achieving high records. His Highness Shaikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah, has underlined that the President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, contributes effectively to deepen the concept of political participation for Emiratis through fostering awareness of the new generation regarding application of international practices in the field of democracy. In an interview with Deraa Al Watan (Nation’s shield) magazine, Shaikh Hamad said Emirati citizens have the right to be proud of their country as day after day the country achieves high records in the development, prosperity and decent living conditions, not only compared to the region but also at the international level. Shaikh Hamad praised the comprehensive plan of the Emirate of Fujairah, which focuses on keeping pace with the urban growth and promoting the economic growth of the emirate and directing investment towards the construction of roads and the long term development of urban services. Shaikh Hamad referred to the role of the Cabinet led by His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and ministers in its pursuit to inculcate the concept of political work, achieve social justice, care for talented and sponsor human rights through observing international conventions in accordance with the directives of the President. He noted that the Federal National Council (FNC) has a four-decade experience, adding that it is on course tackling the nation’s and citizens’ issues. He hoped for greater role of the FNC to match the state’s greater role in addressing humanitarian issues and countering terrorism. Higher education Regarding higher education, Shaikh Hamad said: “Our country enjoys high quality higher education given the best educational and academic experience,” referring to UAE University, Higher Colleges of Technology, higher institutions affiliated to world’s prestigious universities and others. Shaikh Hamad added that the health services in the UAE have been accredited by international organisations in terms of quality excellence and appropriate services. “The health system gauges quality of life in any country.” He said the humanitarian role shouldered by the UAE stems from “religious teachings, authentic Arab traditions and social norms”, citing the legacy of the late Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan on extending help to the needy people worldwide. He added that the “legacy is being followed up by Sheikh Khalifa.” For more news from Khaleej Times, follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/khaleejtimes , and on Twitter at @khaleejtimes Continue reading
Shaikh Mohammed writes to Bahraini Crown Prince
Shaikh Mohammed writes to Bahraini Crown Prince (Wam) / 31 January 2014 The letter was delivered by UAE Ambassador to Bahrain Mohammed Sultan Al Suwaidi when he met Prince Salaman on Thursday at Al Rifaa Palace in Manama. His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has sent a letter to Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince of Bahrain, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister of Bahrain, dealing with bilateral relations. The letter was delivered by UAE Ambassador to Bahrain Mohammed Sultan Al Suwaidi when he met Prince Salaman on Thursday at Al Rifaa Palace in Manama. Prince Salman said he was proud with the strong fraternal ties between the two countries. He lauded the role played by the UAE in supporting the progress of the GCC and the Arab joint action. He asked the UAE Ambassador to pass on his greetings to Shaikh Mohammed and his wishes of further progress and prosperity to the people of the UAE. For more news from Khaleej Times, follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/khaleejtimes , and on Twitter at @khaleejtimes Continue reading
