Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship: Stars set to shine at capital's celebration

Sport360 staff 12:15 14/01/2015
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  • Battling hard: Rickie Fowler finished in the top four of all four majors in 2014, and will look to continue his impressive form at this weekend's event in the capital.

    With the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship taking place this weekend, we look at the players set to impress at this year's tournament.

    – #360view: The seven goals that could be on Rory McIlroy’s 2015 list

    RORY MCILROY

    World Ranking:
    2014 Race to Dubai: 1 
    Last three starts: T15-T2-T2 
    Last three starts in Abu Dhabi: 2-MC-2
    Best finish in Abu Dhabi: Runner-up (2014, 2012 and 2011) 
    Best finishes in 2014: BMW PGA (Winner), Open Championship (Winner), WGC-Bridgestone Invitational (Winner), PGA Championship (Winner) 

    McIlroy has been working hard on his game this past week in Dubai despite the distractions of his ongoing legal battle in Ireland. This is an important year for him and he’d love to make a fast start.

    HENRIK STENSON 

    World Ranking: 2 
    2014 Race to Dubai: 2 
    Last three starts: T2-Win-3 
    Last three starts in Abu Dhabi: MC-T23-MC
    Best finish in Abu Dhabi: Runner-up (2006 and 2008) 
    Best finishes in 2014: DP World Tour Championship (Winner), BMW International Open (T2), Volvo World Match Play (T2), Hero World Challenge (T2) 

    Stenson was again extremely impressive towards the back end of the year. Missed the cut last time in Abu Dhabi, but is motivated to complete his ‘Desert Slam’ by lifting the Falcon Trophy. 

    JUSTIN ROSE

    World Ranking: 6
    2014 Race to Dubai: 3
    Last three starts: T6-T2-T48
    Last three starts in Abu Dhabi: T2 only (only start 2013)
    Best finish in Abu Dhabi: Runner-up (2013)
    Best finishes in 2014: Scottish Open (Winner), Quicken Loans National (Winner), DP World Tour Championship (T2)

    In 2013, Rose finished second in his only eager to go one step better this year. The Englishman, with his brilliant ball-striking ability, will always be a threat on the National Course.

    RICKIE FOWLER

    World Ranking: 10 
    2014 Race to Dubai: Not eligible
    Last three starts: T6-T3-8 
    Last three starts in Abu Dhabi: Debut 
    Best finish in Abu Dhabi: Debut 
    Best finishes in 2014: Open Championship (T2), US Open (T2), PGA Championship (T3), WGC-HSBC Championship (T3) 

    Has decided to start his season in Abu Dhabi instead of Hawaii and put in the hard yards with coach Butch Harmon last week in Dubai. Would be exciting for fans if he has another one-to-one battle with McIlroy. 

    MARTIN KAYMER

    World Ranking: 12
    2014 Race to Dubai: 15
    Last three starts: T2-T21-T39
    Last three starts in Abu Dhabi: T31-T6-MC
    Best finish in Abu Dhabi: Winner (2011, 2010 and 2008)
    Best finishes in 2014: Players Championship (Winner), US Open (Winner), Thai Golf Championship (T2), WGC-HSBC Championship (T6)

    He is called the ‘King of Abu Dhabi’ and Kaymer can enhance his reputation even further this week with a fourth Falcon Trophy. Two big wins in 2014 proved his usually solid game is back on track.

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