ABU DHABI // A challenge match between the best young golfers of the UAE and 21 visitors from the United Kingdom kicks off in what should be a tremendous exhibition of junior golf at Abu Dhabi's National course this week. The British youngsters have qualified to play in the final of the annual Daily Telegraph tournament which is being staged in the capital for the first time after moving from its previous venue of Dubai Creek and Yacht Club.
Twelve boys and nine girls emerged from an enormous entry of over 44,000 to the Telegraph competition which is the world's largest junior tournament. They earned their places ahead of players competing in over 1,000 local heats staged on UK courses. The qualifiers will battle it out over three rounds on Friday, Saturday and Sunday for the right to emulate Justin Rose, the former European Order of Merit champion, who triumphed in 1997, and Yorkshire professional Rebecca Hudson, who was a triple champion in the 1990s.
The Emirates team for today's challenge match is made up of the leading performers in the recent Abu Dhabi junior open. The UAE-based players will all have a British partner in a special pairs competition. Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority has signed a three-year deal to stage the Telegraph tournament and an ADTA spokesman said: "This Championship is an unrivalled opportunity to see some the UK's emerging golfing talent while they are still juniors."
@Email:wjohnson@thenational.ae
