Stage set for a sizzling start as Casey eyes back-to-back success

Abu Dhabi: With the rain - the only dampener to an event which is being considered by many top golfers as the European PGA Tour's first key tournament of the year - having disappeared, the four-day $2 million (Dh7.35 million) Abu Dhabi Golf Championship, starting today, is all set to sizzle once again.

Both, the inaugural edition in 2006 and last year's titles, were virtually efforts of final-day heroics by American Chris DiMarco and Englishman Paul Casey, respectively, and another star-studded field is expected to battle to the wire in the 2008 event.

Defending champion Paul Casey, 2007 Open champion Padraig Harrington of Ireland, world No 7 Adam Scott of Australia, Henrik Stenson, the Swedish number one, Ian Poulter, the flamboyant Ryder Cup winning Englishman, Scottish maestro Colin Montgomerie and the crowd favourite Miguel Jimenez of Spain along with rising star Rory McIlroy are just some names in the creamy field which is the strongest ever to have lined up for the glittering Falcon trophy.

With sunny days predicted after the last few days' of wet and chilly weather, 81 of Europe's top 100 golfers and eight of the world's top 20 will not only be vying for the first prize of $333,330 or a share of the total $2 million purse, but also the chance to win free rooms for life at Emirates Palace Hotel and a Nissan 350Z.

Casey, who has never once won back-to-back titles in any of his seven other triumphs, is hoping to do so here. Commenting on the course, Casey said, "The rough is incredibly thick. It is going to put a premium on controlling the golf ball, keeping it on the fairway. Length is also going to play a factor and hopefully that's where I can have some edge over the other guys."

Padraig Harrington, after his sensational win in the 2007 Open, will be looking to erase last year's final day display.

Leading the pack, the Irishman bogeyed twice on the back nine to slip into fifth place while his "friendly" rival Casey shot a round of 65 to win the championship.

Swede Stenson, who is a UAE resident based in Dubai, will be hoping to complete his 'Gulf Swing' success, having won the Doha and Dubai events.

Poulter, a crowd favourite here, said, "The course is really tough and so it is going to be a very interesting first week back."

While the field boasts of an impressive list, course enhancements have been designed to make it equally tougher for the pros - and more exciting for spectators.

The amendments, which also include changes to the rough to make them more penal, have led to the Par 72 National Championship course being extended to 7,500 yards - the longest its been in the event's three year history.

If as predicted the weather holds well, an exciting four days of golf is in the offing.