Defending champion Quiros 100 percent committed to DP World Tour Championship final

Reigning champion Alvaro Quiros made a flying visit to Dubai yesterday (Sunday) – scene of his greatest triumph – and declared himself “100% committed” to defending his crown when the DP World Tour Championship, Dubai is staged on the Earth course at Jumeirah Golf Estates from 22-25 November. The most successful player in the three-year history of the tournament, Quiros was at Jumeirah Golf Estates to host a special golf clinic for title sponsor DP World before jetting off to compete in the BMW Masters and the HSBC Champions in China.

Ten months ago, Quiros won the $8 million tournament in stunning style but recent swing changes have seen a slump in the Spaniard’s form meaning he is still not a certainty for the 60-strong field next month.

“It’s been a frustrating year so it’s great to be back at a place which has so many good memories for me,” said Quiros, currently ranked 73 in The European Tour’s Race to Dubai. “I made some changes to my swing because while I knew I had the game to win tournaments, I was looking for more consistency – more top ten finishes – to take me to the next level.

“Unfortunately, it has taken me a long time to bring everything together and the longer it went on the less confidence I had. But it’s slowly coming back and now I just need to be more confident on the course.”

On hand to welcome Quiros back to the scene of his greatest victory was Abdulla bin Damithan, Director, Account Management Container Terminals Commercial Department, DP World UAE Region, Ahmed Al Musharrekh, the UAE’s first professional golfer, and a gathering of VIP guests from DP World.

With time running out, Quiros knows he needs two good tournaments if he is to qualify for the DP World Tour Championship and defend his title at the Earth course.

“I’m 100% committed to being back here next month,” he said. “I didn’t know until today that I am the most successful player in the event’s history, which is very special and gives me an extra incentive. I know I have something to fight for.”

Three of the Spanish star’s six European Tour victories have come in the Middle East with wins in the Commercialbank Qatar Masters, the Omega Dubai Desert Classic and the DP World Tour Championship.

“I have a great record in the Middle East as the golf courses seem to suit my game,” he added. “The weather, the five-star hotels and the great hospitality also help to make it one of my favourite places to play.”

Nick Tarratt, European Tour International Director, Dubai Office, said: “We are honoured that Alvaro has taken time out from his preparations for China to be with us for the day. He is one of the most popular players in Dubai and I know everyone is hoping to see him back at the Earth course next month.”

As well as hosting the DP World golf clinic, Quiros was also on hand to meet the finalists of the Emirates Golf Federation-backed Luckiest Ball on Earth competition who played their Grand Final on the Fire course at Jumeirah Golf Estates.

Caption: Alvaro Quiros is welcomed back to Dubai by DP World’s Abdulla Bin Damithan at Jumeirah Golf Estates yesterday (Sunday)