Padraig Harrington is promising to bring his "A game" to the UAE when he renews his rivalry with Sergio Garcia in January.
Harrington, ranked fifth in the world after three major victories in 13 months, believes this could be the year he lifts the Falcon Trophy at the Abu Dhabi Golf Championships from January 15-18, 2009, despite the presence of his great rival and world number three Sergio Garcia in the field.
"We've met in a lot of tournaments coming down the stretch and although most people would see things going my way, there have been a few in the past that haven't," said Harrington via video link at the launch of the tournament this week. "We're totally different characters so in that sense it is an interesting rivalry.
"I like the golf course. I'll be better prepared than I've been other years. I'm focusing hard on my preparation and I think coming into this event I'll be ready to bring my "A game" whereas in the past I've sometimes been a little caught up in doing some winter work. This year I'll be good to go."
Garcia is equally keen to turn the tables on Harrington after losing out to the Irishman in a play-off for the 2007 Open Championship and by just two strokes in this year's US PGA. "Playing in Abu Dhabi is always exciting," said the Spaniard. "The course is fantastic and the competition is very intense."
