Alessandro Del Piero joins Luis Figo in Abu Dhabi Invitational line-up

Nick Watkins - Writer 10:45 10/01/2018
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  • Green machine: Alessandro Del Piero

    Some of the world’s top golfers and a host of famous faces are coming to Abu Dhabi for two days of entertaining golf.

    The Abu Dhabi Invitational at Yas Links features teams of professional golfers along with celebrity players. Day one sees VIP guests compete in the Amateur Championship, while day two pits the pros against the celebs in a Ryder Cup style event.

    This year’s teams will be captained by former world footballer of the year Luis Figo and former world number one golfer Martin Kaymer.

    Ex-Real Madrid and Barcelona star Figo, will be joined by Manchester United heroes Peter Schmeichel and Dwight Yorke – part of United’s legendary ‘99 treble winning side. Along with Olympic gold medallists, rower Matthew Pinsent and swimmer Roland Schoeman.

    Also joining Figo’s star-studded team will be former footballers, Juventus hero Alessandro Del Piero and Dutch legend Ruud Gullit. The former AC Milan and Chelsea star will be looking to go one better than last year, having suffered defeat in the 2017 tournament.

    Howie Roberts, General Manager of Yas Links, is also eagerly anticipating the array of sporting superstars who’ll play in the event this year. “We are honoured to have Alessandro Del Piero and Ruud Gullit here as we host the Abu Dhabi Invitational for a sixth time,” he said. “It is a chance to showcase this fantastic golf course, alongside Yas Island’s global entertainment and hospitality facilities, to an international and influential audience.

    Figo said: “I am delighted to be captaining the Celebrity Team in The Abu Dhabi Invitational. I have heard great things about Yas Links and the Tournament. We look forward to the challenge of facing Martin’s Pro team and will leave no stone unturned to win the Trophy.”

    Kaymer is a 2-time major championship winner and has also featured in 3 victorious European Ryder Cup teams, and ranked number one in the world for eight weeks in 2011. He said: “I’ve always enjoyed playing and winning in Abu Dhabi, so it really does feel like a second home to me. The Yas Links course is excellent and I’m excited to be captain. This year, the pro team will be playing off +7, which will mean we need to play some great golf to retain the trophy”.

    Last year’s event saw Paul McGinley’s Pro Team win by 13½ points to 6½ over Peter Schmeichel’s Celebrity team, which also featured former Chelsea boss Roberto Di Matteo along with rugby union World Cup winner Mike Tindall.

    Yas Links is hosting the tournament for the third year in a row. Located on Yas Island, the course is designed to challenge the best golfers in the world – with it being the first Links golf course in the Middle East.

    The event, which is raising money for charity, takes place over the 12-13th January and both days remain open to members of the public.

    WHAT: Abu Dhabi Invitational
    WHERE: Yas Links
    WHEN: 12-13th January
    CONTACT: For more information visit www.abudhabiinvitational.ae

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