LONDON: Sergio Garcia cannot wait to get his Saudi International title tilt started as he looks to capitalise on recent good form.
The Spaniard began his year with two top 10 finishes, in Singapore and Dubai, having claimed the Andalucia Valderrama Masters title at the end of 2018.
Keen to begin this year as he finished the last, Garcia claimed his game is in the sort of shape to not only bring victory at the Royal Greens Golf & Country Club but also add to his trophy cabinet in the months beyond.
“It has been a couple of nice weeks to start the year in Singapore and obviously last week in Dubai with a couple of top 10s,” the world No. 27 said.
“ At the end of the day I want to keep being consistent. I want to try to keep improving in all aspects of the game,
and give myself chances at winning tournaments and winning Majors.
“That’s what I’ve done my whole career and that’s what I want to keep doing. Then it’s just a matter of having that great week at the right time and hopefully lifting another one of the big ones.”
Along with most of the field in the Saudi International, this will be Garcia’s first time playing the course, and an initial nine holes on Tuesday left the 39-year-old impressed.
“It looks beautiful, really nice. I’m excited to go out there.
“We always try to promote the game as much as possible. Obviously this week is a good opportunity to do it here in Saudi, a place that we’ve never been to,” he said.
Sergio Garcia looking to reign at Royal Greens & Country Club
Sergio Garcia looking to reign at Royal Greens & Country Club
- Spaniard looking forward to inaugural Saudi International as he looks to capitalize on recent good form.
Dubai Basketball introduce 17-year-old Tomislav Vuckovic as they stay perfect in ABA League
- Winning streak now at 12-0 after the team’s 90-79 victory over Borac Mozzart at Coca-Cola Arena
DUBAI: Dubai Basketball extended their winning streak to 12-0 in the ABA League with a 90-79 victory over Borac Mozzart at Coca-Cola Arena on Monday.
The game also marked a historic moment for the club and basketball development in the UAE. Tomislav Vuckovic, 17, became the first Dubai Basketball Academy player to start for the senior team in official competition.
His inclusion represents a significant milestone in the club’s long-term vision to help young players become professionals, according to a statement from the team.
The opening quarter did not unfold in line with Dubai’s usual standards. Borac Mozzart began with confidence and tempo, capitalizing on early lapses to take a 23-19 lead after the first 10 minutes.
As the former NBA duo McKinley Wright and Dwayne Bacon orchestrated the offence, Dubai gradually took control and went into halftime with a 41-37 advantage.
Dubai’s depth played a key role as the game progressed. Contributions from newcomer Kenan Kamenjas, and Dubai veterans Nemanja Dangubic and Klemen Prepelic, helped sustain the advantage.
Borac’s efforts were largely driven by Marko Josilo and Diante Baldwin. Without consistent support, the visitors were unable to mount a comeback.
Reflecting on the performance, Dubai Basketball Head Coach Jurica Golemac said: “It was not an easy game, especially after such a tight schedule.
“We did not start well, but we found our rhythm in the second half and made the game easier. Everyone shared minutes, nobody got injured, and that is the most important thing for us.”
Dubai managed the final quarter with composure, closing out the contest without allowing the margin to come under threat. Bacon led the scoring with 15 points, while Kamenjas added 13 and seven rebounds.
The team now head into round 22 of the EuroLeague against Virtus Bologna, standing 12th in the league, one position above Dubai.
