The American golfer returns to the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship this week to defend the title he won last year by a stroke. He spoke to the media at Abu Dhabi Golf Club on Tuesday.
On the absence of injured world No 2 Rory McIlroy
“It’s a bummer that Rory’s not going to be able to play this week. But the biggest thing is for him to take care of himself and make sure he’s healthy. Does that make me look at the tournament any differently? No. It’s one less top player in the world I have to beat, but the field here is one of the best on the European Tour, and you still have a lot of the top players in the world: three of the major champions from last year are here. It’s not going to be any easier to win.”
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Read more
■ In pictures: Fowler, Stenson, Poulter and Johnson swap clubs for decks
■ Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship: Tickets, schedule and everything you need to know
■ Rory McIlroy withdraws from Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship: 'It's bitterly disappointing'
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On his targets for 2017
“The last couple years, the majors have been the No 1 point to look at, especially after 2015, having the good finishes there. Coming off last year, having the win here to start out the year was nice. Just unfortunately I wasn’t able to continue that form individually. But to be a part of teams and to finally be part of a winning Ryder Cup team, that was special. But winning is what I want – win tournaments around the world, but the majors are No 1.”
On Jim Furyk’s appointment as 2018 US Ryder Cup captain
“I think it was just a matter of time. Jim’s awesome. He’s been someone that I’ve looked up to and respected for a long time, and to be able to build a friendship that we’ve built over the past eight years since I’ve been on tour, and to be able to play with him in a Ryder Cup, and then for him to be an assistant. He’s going to be a great captain. I’ve just got to do my part and get some points and make the team now.”
On practice with Dubai-based amateur Rayhan Thomas
“I thought he did great. I know he’s had some success around here and I’ve heard a lot about his game. It was just fun to go out and play nine holes. It’s going to be a great experience for him. I love being able to see young talent coming up, because I feel like it wasn’t very long ago that I was young and fresh coming out on tour. Seems like he has a simple game. Very solid. If he gets off to a good start and gets comfortable, I don’t see any reason why he can’t play well this week.”
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Brave CF 27 fight card
Welterweight:
Abdoul Abdouraguimov (champion, FRA) v Jarrah Al Selawe (JOR)
Lightweight:
Anas Siraj Mounir (TUN) v Alex Martinez (CAN)
Welterweight:
Mzwandile Hlongwa (RSA) v Khamzat Chimaev (SWE)
Middleweight:
Tarek Suleiman (SYR) v Rustam Chsiev (RUS)
Mohammad Fakhreddine (LEB) v Christofer Silva (BRA)
Super lightweight:
Alex Nacfur (BRA) v Dwight Brooks (USA)
Bantamweight:
Jalal Al Daaja (JOR) v Tariq Ismail (CAN)
Chris Corton (PHI) v Zia Mashwani (PAK)
Featherweight:
Sulaiman (KUW) v Abdullatip (RUS)
Super lightweight:
Flavio Serafin (BRA) v Mohammad Al Katib (JOR)
What can you do?
Document everything immediately; including dates, times, locations and witnesses
Seek professional advice from a legal expert
You can report an incident to HR or an immediate supervisor
You can use the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s dedicated hotline
In criminal cases, you can contact the police for additional support
Grand Slam Los Angeles results
Men:
56kg – Jorge Nakamura
62kg – Joao Gabriel de Sousa
69kg – Gianni Grippo
77kg – Caio Soares
85kg – Manuel Ribamar
94kg – Gustavo Batista
110kg – Erberth Santos
Women:
49kg – Mayssa Bastos
55kg – Nathalie Ribeiro
62kg – Gabrielle McComb
70kg – Thamara Silva
90kg – Gabrieli Pessanha
Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
MATCH INFO
Pakistan 106-8 (20 ovs)
Iftikhar 45, Richardson 3-18
Australia 109-0 (11.5 ovs)
Warner 48 no, Finch 52 no
Australia win series 2-0
Europe’s rearming plan
- Suspend strict budget rules to allow member countries to step up defence spending
- Create new "instrument" providing €150 billion of loans to member countries for defence investment
- Use the existing EU budget to direct more funds towards defence-related investment
- Engage the bloc's European Investment Bank to drop limits on lending to defence firms
- Create a savings and investments union to help companies access capital
MATCH INFO
Rugby World Cup (all times UAE)
Third-place play-off: New Zealand v Wales, Friday, 1pm
The specs: 2018 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy
Price, base / as tested Dh97,600
Engine 1,745cc Milwaukee-Eight v-twin engine
Transmission Six-speed gearbox
Power 78hp @ 5,250rpm
Torque 145Nm @ 3,000rpm
Fuel economy, combined 5.0L / 100km (estimate)
