Quiros ready to defend Qatar title

Doha: Spaniard Alvaro Quiros is all set to defend his title at the 2010 Commercialbank Qatar Masters from January 28-31. Presented by Dolphin Energy the tournament is being played at Doha Golf Club.

Following a gruelling season that saw him compete in 26 European Tour events and end the year in 20th place in the rankings, the man with the biggest drive on the Tour has confirmed he will be back in the Qatari capital aiming to become the first golfer to successfully defend the Mother of Pearl trophy.

"I have to come back for two reasons," said the 26 year-old. "One is I am the defending champion and the other is I truly believe the Gulf tournaments we play in Doha, Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the best three tournaments in a row that we play on the Tour.

"Qatar is a great place. The golf course, the food, the hotel — everything is good and I'm very comfortable there," Quiros said.

"Winning last year opened doors for me. It took me to 24th in the world and thanks to Qatar I was able to play my first full years of Majors.

"My other wins helped me but it's fair to say Qatar was the last tier, the final push to get to the highest level in the world."