Twice defending champion Stephen Gallacher showed once again just why he can’t do anything wrong during the Omega Dubai Desert Classic week. 

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Playing the Challenge Match on the eve of the tournament, the Scotsman was in superb form as he partnered 2007 champion Henrik Stenson on the back nine of the Majlis course yesterday to beat the heavyweight pairing of world No1 Rory McIlroy and No5 Sergio Garcia in a thrilling play-off. 

Both pairs finished the nine holes at eight-under par in the two-man scramble format, and it all boiled down to a ‘chip-off’ from the fairway of the 18th hole.

In that chip-off, McIlroy was beaten by Gallacher’s effort.

The English pairing of Lee Westwood and promising youngster Matt Fitzpatrick finished third on six-under, two ahead of the team of Martin Kaymer and Graeme Mc- Dowell, who is making a comeback to the tournament after a gap of four years.

The Challenge Match has traditionally been played on the par-3 course at Emirates Golf Club, but following the massive success of the 2014 ‘Champions’ Challenge’, which saw every past champion compete for a share of the $600,000 purse, the 2015 edition was also played on the main course.

‘Pink Friday’ announced

Meanwhile, the organisers announced that the tournament will wear a pink look on Friday, as players will join fans and families in a concerted effort to raise awareness about breast cancer in the UAE and beyond during the sec- ond round. All players, caddies and officials will turn out in pink, sending out a strong message of support in the fight against the disease. The host venue, Emirates Golf Club, will also contribute by providing pink flagsticks.

According to the UAE cancer registry, breast cancer is the second leading cause of death in women in the country, accounting for 28 per cent of female deaths.

“This is an amazing statistic and that can be reduced by at least 50 per cent with early detection,” said major champion Darren Clarke, who has set up his own foundation to raise funds for Breast Cancer Awareness after his wife Heather succumbed to the disease in 2006.

“I always wear my breast cancer awareness badge. It’s something close to my heart for obvious reasons. I am here to play and promote my foundation with the support of golf in DUBAi. They do such a wonderful job with all the tournaments they manage and I want to support them because they have supported me throughout my career.”

Mohamed Juma Buamaim, vice chairman and CEO of golf in DUBAi, added: “People need to know about the disease and keeping that in mind, we have organised the Pink Day.

“By doing something as small as wearing a pink ribbon even for a day, we can help a lot to disseminate crucial information about the disease. I am really grateful to players for coming forward and supporting the cause.”