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Course and form stats for this week's event in Dubai
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Two-time winner McIlroy has sparking record
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Defending champion Hatton and Canter are also contenders
Dubai Desert Classic - Contenders based on current form
Last week's winner at the Dubai Invitational arrives with his sights set on more success. His course form here, with a previous best 20th-place finish in 2020 and a 58th last year, doesn't indicate that the Spaniard will pull off consecutive victories. But his previous finish at last week's venue, which saw him come 28th, didn't bode well either and he overcame that.
The New Zealander was a runner-up at the Dubai Invitational, following top 10 finishes at the Australian PGa Championship and Australian Open, so he is a man in form. He finished second here 12 months ago so everything points towards another strong showing.
The Irishman was tied for third at last week's event and, while he missed the cut on his most recent appearance here, he boasts an 11th and 12th-placed finish.
Dubai Desert Classic - Contenders based on course form
The Masters champion would have liked to win last week's tournament but his tied third-place finish was encouraging and a platform for success where his previous four appearances read - 4/1/1/3.
The defending champion was knocking on the door here before he won 12 months ago, finishing fourth in 2022 and 22nd the year before.
Could we see an English winner in consecutive years? If anyone can keep the flag flying it may be Canter who was third last year and fourth in 2021. Between those performances he has a missed cut and 73rd but let's focus on the positives.
Stroke Averages
Lowest 10 At Emirates (2020-25)
Average .... (Rounds)
68.50: Rory McIlroy (16)
70.15: Tyrrell Hatton (20)
70.40: Tom McKibbin (10)
70.42: Adrian Meronk (12)
70.58: Calum Hill (12)
70.63: Tommy Fleetwood (24)
70.81: Johannes Veerman (16)
70.94: Thorbjorn Olesen (16)
70.95: Bernd Wiesberger (22)
70.96: Ryan Fox (24)
Min. No. of Rounds = 10
Only those entered this week are included in table
MC* - Missed Additional 54-Hole Cut
Note: List Contains Leading Reserves