By Rahul Banerji
Adt Ashok leads a squad of four Indians at the Omega Dubai Moonlight Classic that tees off later under lights at the Emirates Golf Club on Wednesday.
The others are Diksha Dagar, Tvesa Malik and Astha Madan, who join the limited 56-player field for the iconic three-day Ladies European Tour event.
Played under floodlights for part of the week, the event is recognised as the only professional day-night tournament on Tour, the LET website noted.
While Aditi and Diksha were on the entry list, Tvesa got her slot as the eighth reserve and Astha was a late inclusion in a field that includes defending champion Nuria Iturrioz of Spain.
Others contesting the Dallah Trophy include Race to Costa del Sol leader Emily Kristine Pedersen, Charley Hull, Dame Laura Davies and international stars Georgia Hall and the world’s youngest world no. 1, Lydia Ko.
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Covid withdrawals
Meanwhile, the LET said in a statement that it had withdrawn Annabel Dimmock, Catriona Matthew and Ursula Wikström from the Dubai Moonlight Classic after they tested positive for Covid-19.
“The LET has implemented a strict Covid-19 testing process throughout the season and the players, who had not, and have still not, exhibited any symptoms, were tested upon arrival into Dubai on Monday morning.
“The three players have followed all the LET guidance and protocols put in place to mitigate the risk of transmission of Covid-19 and will now remain in self-isolation for a minimum of 14 days.
“Contacts identified as part of the track and trace process will be managed in accordance with the Health Authorities guidelines,” the LET added.
Played on the Faldo Course at the Emirates Golf Club, the tournament is the first of four consecutive events on the LET schedule.
Shotgun start
It is the first day-night Tour event with the 56-player-field split into a day/night shotgun start draw that sees half of the field compete under the floodlights each day, the LET said.
The venue in Dubai will host the event for the second time and course designed Sir Nick said strategy was key to winning.
“The players will need to think carefully around this golf course,” he told the LET website.
“Faldo Design has been working on a few changes to improve strategy and playability, and there’s no real benefit to gaining extra length out there – anyone that tries that is likely to find themselves in trouble.
“From the tee, the key is very much to find the right approach angles to the greens. Good iron play will be vital to get in the right spots on the big greens.
“You cannot ignore the strength and opportunity in the women’s game right now, and this unique event is proof of that.
“It will do a great deal to highlight where the ladies’ game is at right now, and the future is definitely bright.”
This is the 14th edition of the Omega Dubai Moonlight Classic.
Also read: Golf is my anchor, says Diksha ahead of Omega Classic
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