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Course and form stats for this week's event in Dubai
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South African starts as favourite as he targets another title
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Defending champ Canter and big-price Pablo boast course form
Dubai Desert Classic - Contenders based on current form
Jayden Trey Schaper @ 12/113.00
It is not difficult to see why the South African is set to start as the favourite this week. His form is almost irresistible after last week's fourth-place finish signalled to his rivals that it may not be long before he adds to the consecutive wins he notched up in December. As for world ranking points accumulated since the start of autumn, he leads the way comfortably.
Patrick Reed @ 16/117.00
Last week's DP World Tour winner is near the top of the market and consecutive victories are not out of the question. A 60th-place finish might cool your enthusiasm but the market indicates he will be in contention.
Julien Guerrier @ 28/129.00
The Frenchman has finished third a successive events and these performances, combined with coming 21st and eighth at the previous editions of this event, shows that he enjoys playing in this part of the world.
Dubai Desert Classic - Contenders based on course form
Laurie Canter @ 33/134.00
The defending champion does not arrive in the best form, with a 45th-placed finished in the Dubai Desert Classic a couple of weeks ago, and a withdrawal at the Nedbank. Still, he was third at the DPWT Championship as recently as November and could enjoy being back at the scene of his triumph.
Dylan Frittelli @ 90/191.00
The South African was the winner of the inaugural edition of this event and, while last year's missed cut was disappointing, it could be down to the pressure of defending the title. He finished in the top 10 two weeks ago.
Pablo Larrazabal @ 275/1276.00
A missed cut last week, and a 54th-placed finished the week before, does not bode well for the Spaniard but he finished second here last year, 29th in 2024, and may be worth a shot at a big price.
World Ranking Points
Most Points Since September 1st (Top 12 Listed)
71.50: Jayden Trey Schaper
56.85: Patrick Reed
43.48: Nacho Elvira
40.33: Daniel Hillier
38.14: JC Ritchie
37.34: Angel Ayora
35.02: Andy Sullivan
34.38: Joakim Lagergren
25.52: Julien Guerrier
24.67: Laurie Canter
24.63: Jung Hwan Lee
23.37: Casey Jarvis
Only those entered this week are included in table
Note: List Contains Leading Reserves