Paul Waring Claims Victory At The Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship 2023

English golfer Paul Waring emerged victorious at the 19th Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, held over four days at Yas Links on Yas Island. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, honoured him as the champion. This event was a key qualifier for the DP World Tour and part of the Rolex Series.

The tournament, organised by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC) and the European Tour, featured 70 top players. The best 50 in the Race to Dubai classification qualified for next week's DP World Tour Championship in Dubai. Notable attendees included Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Aref Hamad Al Awani, Abdulfattah Sharaf, Mohammed Al Marzooqi, Bilal Mostafa Al Khaled, Eric Nicoli, and Guy Kinnings.

Sheikh Nahyan praised the championship's success and said: "Once again, Abu Dhabi stands out as a global sports destination by hosting major international tournaments and organising distinguished events, thanks to the unlimited support of the wise leadership and its sound vision." He highlighted how the event has boosted tourism since its inception in 2006.

Aref Hamad Al Awani expressed gratitude to sponsors and partners for their role in making this edition successful. He congratulated Waring on his win and noted Abu Dhabi's leadership in global sports through hosting such prestigious events. He also emphasised ADSC’s commitment to promoting golf in Abu Dhabi and the Middle East.

Paul Waring scored six strokes under par on the final day, finishing with a total of 24 strokes under par. Tyrrell Hatton secured second place with 22 strokes under par. Thorbjørn Olesen from Denmark, Rory McIlroy from Northern Ireland, and Matt Wallis from England tied for third with 21 strokes under par each.

Waring expressed his joy at winning: "I am happy to win the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship for the first time, which is one of the strongest tournaments in the region ever." He acknowledged the tough competition among elite golfers throughout the event.

Impact on Tourism and Economy

The championship has significantly contributed to Abu Dhabi's tourism sector by attracting thousands of visitors. The emirate's infrastructure supports various sporting events alongside high-quality services and security. The values of tolerance and coexistence further enhance its appeal as a destination.

Waring received a grand prize of US$1.53 million along with 1,500 Race to Dubai points. Tyrrell Hatton took home $990,000 as runner-up with 1,000 points. The tournament drew large audiences both onsite and via television broadcasts worldwide.

The successful organisation of this championship underscores Abu Dhabi's position as a premier location for international sports events. The emirate continues to host major tournaments while fostering growth in local sports culture through academic programmes aimed at integrating sport into daily life.

With inputs from WAM