Michelle Wie was a notable absentee from the pre-tournament Challenge Match, the American star having spent the morning in hospital after reportedly contracting a virus.
Wie, 23, was one of the first players to arrive in Dubai when she landed early on Saturday morning, and then on Sunday enjoyed a camel ride at Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa.
However, Wie withdrew from the par-3 competition that traditionally opens the event, although organisers are hopeful she can shake off the illness to compete for a third successive year at Emirates Golf Club.
Wie had tweeted yesterday: "Morning spent in the ER = no fun …"
Alexis Thompson, the defending champion, said: "It would be a big loss. She's a hit at every event, definitely well known here and a lot of people would come out to watch her. But if you're that sick, you can't play and risk getting worse."
jmcauley@thenational.ae
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