Campbell confident about Dubai event

US Open Championship winner Michael Campbell is confident he will start among the favourites for next year's Dubai Desert Classic.

"I guess I will be among the top favourites to win here," Campbell told Gulf News at the Emirates First Class Lounge on Tuesday.

Campbell was in transit for a few hours at Dubai International Airport early on Tuesday. "My whole perspective towards the game and life has changed after the US Open," Campbell stated.

"It has put me on a higher level among my fellow golfers and I reckon I will be one of those expected to win here in February," he said. The Dubai Desert Classic is expected to be held in the first half of February due to a clash with dates on the golfing calendar. "They still have to confirm the new dates. But I have already planned to be in Dubai next year," Campbell said. "I also want to play at the Qatar Masters next year," he smiled.

"I've played in the Dubai Desert Classic at least six times now and my best performance was in 1995 when I stood third," he said.

RED CARPET
US Open hero returns to warm welcome

Victory in last month's US Open has changed the life of New Zealand golfer Michael Campbell.

"People give you things," Campbell said yesterday as he returned to New Zealand for the first time since his two-shot win over Tiger Woods. Campbell's expectations had changed even as his name was being inscribed on the trophy.

- AP