Clive Owen flies solo in Abu Dhabi

The main event for the Laureus World Sports Awards may have taken place in Abu Dhabi last night, but tabloid! managed a sneak preview of the celebrity action before the big night.

A chance to practice their steps on the red carpet and brush on up their smiles, stars from the world of sport, stage and screen descended on the capital for a welcome party on Tuesday night.

A stunning Kelly Holmes posed with no complaints for snappers and their barrage of incessant flashes, while Ian Botham wowed the crowds in a suit rather than shorts. One sportsman who didn't exactly dress for the occasion was Daley Thompson, who proved sportsmen really do live in sportswear no matter what the dress code — showing up in pristine white running shorts and T-shirt.

But sporting legends aside, it was clear the media waited patiently for the Hollywood favourites confirmed for the event, including Hugh Grant, Kevin Spacey (who hosted last night's ceremony), Clive Owen, Kyle MacLachlan, Michelle Rodriguez and Gwyneth Paltrow.

Unfortunately Owen had to carry the flag solo for Team Hollywood as the only one who walked the red carpet, happily giving short interviews and posing for photographers.

"We lost," he said holding his head in hands talking about Liverpool's 1-0 loss to Wigan 1-0 in the Barclays Premiership the night before. "Of course I'm gutted. We're going to have to do something special to pull up this year."

‘Lucky to be here'

Going on to talk about the UAE, he said: "It's such a wonderful place. I've only been here for a day, but I just can't believe it. It has completely blown me away and I am so lucky to be here. I would love to explore a little more."

Paltrow, MacLachlan and Rodriguez we'll give the benefit of the doubt, but rumour has it Grant and Spacey arrived at the "welcome to Abu Dhabi party" and opted for a sneaky lobby entrance of Fairmont's Bab Al Bahar before slipping into the party undetected.

Maybe Grant (left) couldn't face the media after a hard round of golf earlier in the day at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club.

Inside, the party featured a lavish outdoor setting with burning torches, giant white paper lanterns at every turn, the glasses of champagne flowed freely as canapés were passed around. The stars lounged on white leather sofas positioned in intimate squares from the hotel to the ocean edge, while a DJ played the latest chart music, including favourites from the Black Eyed Peas and Beyoncé.

The 2010 Laureus World Sports Awards recognises sporting achievement during the period January 1 to December 31, 2009 and are the premier honours on the international sporting calendar.

The living legends of sport honouring the great athletes of today mixed with Hollywood celebs who just love to keep the media on their toes!