Sports
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
Khaleej Times sweeps five DSF awards
Khaleej Times sweeps five DSF awards Staff Reporter / 3 February 2014 Besides prizes in four individual categories, the paper also won the best editorial coverage, which is a tribute to the reporters, editors, designers and photojournalists. Shaikh Majid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, presents the DSF Journalism Award to Suresh Pattali. And right, M. Sajjad, Dhanusha Gokulan and Arti Jhurani with their awards after the ceremony in Dubai on Sunday, — KT photos Sweeping five awards, Khaleej Times , part of the Galadari Brothers Group of Companies, continued its winning run at the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) 2014 Journalism and Photography Awards. Besides prizes in four individual categories, the paper also won the best editorial coverage, which is a tribute to the reporters, editors, designers and photojournalists whose work collectively contributed to make Khaleej Times the winning team. The awards were presented to the winners by Shaikh Majid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority at a gala closing ceremony on Sunday. Night Editor Suresh Pattali bagged the second place for the best feature published by a local newspaper for his article ‘Green Vision, Rosy Future’. Aarti Jhurani, reporter and sub-editor, Wknd magazine, won the first prize for the best magazine feature for her article ‘Confessions of a DSF first-timer’ while the first place for the best feature by a promising journalist went to reporter Dhanusha Gokulan for her story A look back into the future of the DSF. M. Sajjad, Khaleej Times Senior Photographer won the third position in the Photography Award, celebration category. The DSF 2014 Journalism and Photography Awards are part of the efforts by the Dubai Festival and Retail Establishment (DFRE), an agency of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) and the organiser of DSF, to honour the efforts by journalists to raise awareness about the varied aspects of DSF. The awards are held under the patronage of Shaikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai. The 19th edition of DSF, themed “Shop at Your Best” started on January 2 and concluded on February 2. The DSF 2014 Photography Award allows press photographers from local publications to submit their entries under two categories — DSF Celebrations and DSF Shopping. The closing ceremony was attended by Helal Saeed Almarri, Director-General, DTCM and Laila Mohammed Suhail, CEO of DFRE among other guests. Almarri said: “The 19th edition welcomed tens of thousands of families and tourists, further consolidating Dubai’s reputation as a destination of choice and demonstrating the position of its retail and entertainment sectors as key visitor drivers.” In her speech, Laila said: “As we conclude today the 19th edition of DSF we would like to pause for a moment and reflect on the successful 19 years journey that we had together, making DSF the longest running festival of its kind in the world.” The 20th edition of DSF will be held from January 1 to February 1, 2015. — news@khaleejtimes.com > THE WINNING ENTRIES 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
