The UAE team had their moments to take the honours last year, but missed on the title by a whisker when they lost to Bahrain by just one shot in Kuwait. They are now determined to use last year’s near-miss as a springboard to cross the finish line without any stumble.

Khalid Yousuf, experienced Ismail Sharif, Ahmed Al Musharrekh and Abdullah Al Musharrekh will lead the UAE challenge in the main event. The UAE will also be competing in the juniors and senior categories of the championship which has attracted the cream of talent from the Gulf region.

Representing the UAE in the junior category are: Sohail Al Marzouqi, Hassan Al Musharrekh and Ahmed Al Mazrui. In addition, Faisal Al Marzouqi will be competing for individual honours in the junior division.

Adel Zarouni, Khalid Al Halyan and Mohamed Al Musharrekh will spearhead the UAE challenge in the senior division which promises to unfold an intriguing battle for the title.

Sponsored by Al Naboodah and Emirates NBD, the UAE squads have already played a couple of practice rounds and if the early form of the players is any indication, they are expected to present a stiff challenge to their opponents.

“What happened last year is history and we hope the experience of playing in the high-pressure final again Bahrain will stand in a good stead when our teams compete in the championship,” said Shaikh Fahim Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Emirates Golf Federation.

“Our players have the potential and the experience to play at this level of golf. If they remain focused on the job at hand, I am sure we can expect some good results. I wish all players the very best,” he added.

The main UAE team will, in particular, will be looking up to Khalid Yousuf and Ahmed Al Musharrekh to strike the form. Both have the experience of playing golf at the highest level. Khalid has twice competed in the Dubai Desert Classic while Ahmed showcased his talent in this year’s Abu Dhabi Golf Championship.

The duo has also won a string of titles on the domestic and regional circuits. They will be supported by evergreen Ismail Sharif, who has won the UAE National Championship for a record seven times, and Abdullah Musharrekh, who on his day, can produce a solid round.

Hassan will be the player to watch out for in the junior section. The youngster couldn’t have asked for a better preparation in the run up to the championship which he won the UAE Monthly Medal, beating an experienced at the Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club. He shot a creditable five-over-par 76 gross despite taking a triple bogey on the last hole.
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