Clash at 2021 European Tour Opener Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, Fleetwood and Others "Europe's Top Stars Gather"
World No. 3 Justin Thomas will compete in the 2021 European Tour season opener, the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship. Abu Dhabi (UAE) = Getty Images / Photo by Multibits
[Asia Economy Golf Specialist Reporter Kim Hyun-jun] "Abu Dhabi Duel."
World No. 3 Justin Thomas (USA) and No. 6 Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland) threw their hats into the ring on the afternoon of the 21st (Korean time) at Abu Dhabi Golf Club (par 72, 7,583 yards) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship (total prize money $8 million). As the opening event of the 2021 European Tour, this tournament is especially notable as the first Rolex Series event, with a significantly increased total prize fund to compete against the PGA Tour.
Thomas's form is the strongest. He reached three PGA Tour wins in the 2019/2020 season, and in the new season, he has entered the 'top 10' four times in six tournaments, showing an upward trend. Despite no wins yet, he finished tied for 2nd at the Zozo Championship in October and 3rd at the Sentry Tournament on the 11th, which is causing some frustration. He lacked stamina in majors, finishing tied 8th at the US Open in September and 4th at the Masters in November. On the third day of the Sentry Tournament, he faced adversity after making anti-gay remarks, leading to Ralph Lauren suspending their clothing sponsorship.
McIlroy is a player to watch. After finishing tied 5th at the 'Autumn Masters' last November, which dashed his hopes of becoming the sixth player in global golf history to complete the 'Career Grand Slam,' he took a break to recharge and is starting the 2021 season on the European Tour. It is worth noting that he is seeking revenge after finishing second four times in 2011, 2012, 2014, and 2015. This is a great opportunity to shake off the disappointment of two third-place finishes in 2016 and 2018.
Defending champion Lee Westwood (England) is dreaming of defending his title. Last year, he faced then No. 1 Brooks Koepka (USA) and recorded his 25th career win on this 'promised land.' It is surprising that at age 46, he was named 'Player of the Year' at the end of the year. He raised expectations by saying, "I have performed particularly well in the Middle East region." Tyrrell Hatton (England) has joined the field. Tommy Fleetwood (England), the two-time consecutive winner in 2017-2018, is another contender for the title.
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