Khaleej Times

Kaymer sad for Tiger but hopeful of own chances

- KT Report

dubai — Martin Kaymer said that the players as well as the Omega Dubai Desert Classic were sad to lose Tiger Woods to a back spasm and added that they didn’t want to see him struggling.

Woods, who is staging a comeback after back surgeries, was forced to withdraw before the start of the second round of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic on Friday afternoon, because of back spasms.

The 14-time Major champion had shot a five-over 77 on the first day at the Majlis Course of the Emirates Golf Club on Thursday.

“It is just sad for the golf tournament and sad for us players to see one of the best players, probably the best player in our era, forced to pull out. It’s a shame to see. On one hand, you want to see him play golf, and on the other hand you don’t want to see him struggling. It’s a tricky one,” Kaymer said on Friday.

But it was not all gloom for him personally though as the German was tied fifth at four-under after carding a three-under 69 on the day. That saw Kaymer vault 33 spots up to tied fifth along with Spaniard Rafa Cabrera-Bello.

“I’m very pleased because I was hitting a lot of good golf shots. Putting was very hard. Sometimes you hit before the gust and sometimes the gust comes without predicting, so it was very hard to make putts to get the ball close,” said Kaymer.

The former World No.1 said that such form could put him in contention, come Sunday. “I think if I continue my long game the way I played yesterday (Thursday) and today (Friday), I think I might have a good chance on Sunday. But I need to make more out of my chances around the greens,” he said.

“Especially yesterday (Thursday), I had five pretty straightfo­rward up-and-downs and I didn’t make a birdie off them. So, it could have been a very low round yesterday (Thursday), and also today (Friday). So if I continue this and maybe pick up a couple here and there, I might have a chance,” he added.

Overall, in the larger scheme of things, Kaymer is pleased with his start to the year. The only threetime winner of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championsh­ip, Kaymer finished tied fourth in the UAE capital a couple of weeks ago.

“I just enjoy playing Abu Dhabi, Dubai, the whole thing. After having seven, eight weeks off, you’re ready to play,” said the 32-year-old.

james@khaleejtim­es.com

 ?? AFP ?? Spots Kaymer jumped to go tied fifth along with Rafa Cabrera-Bello Martin Kaymer was tied fifth at four-under after carding a three-under 69 on Friday. — 33
AFP Spots Kaymer jumped to go tied fifth along with Rafa Cabrera-Bello Martin Kaymer was tied fifth at four-under after carding a three-under 69 on Friday. — 33

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