GOLF – THE battle for Mena Golf Tour Rankings supremacy takes centre stage when the Egypt Golf Series opens at New Giza Golf Club today with Italy’s Ludovico Addabbo leading a cast of hungry contenders looking to make their mark across the four-event swing.
Addabbo arrives in Egypt as the man in form after his stunning wire-to-wire victory at the PGA Aroeira Challenge in November announced his arrival on the professional scene.
With rankings leader Chris Wood not competing, the 27-year-old has the opportunity to close the gap at the top – or even take over the number one position if results go his way across the USD $400,000 series.
“I’m feeling great at the moment – like a champion,” said Addabbo, who has played New Giza three times previously on the Alps Tour. “Two months ago I got my first win as a pro, and I want more. I’m playing all the events in Egypt so I’m going to press hard and keep the momentum going.”
Scotland’s Aidan O’Hagan will have other ideas. He was runner-up at the Rolear Algarve Classic, pushing Wood all the way before falling a shot short, and arrives in Cairo determined to go one better and claim his first Mena Golf Tour title.
Compatriot Sebastian Sandin completes a strong Scottish challenge. The Q School runner-up has shown consistent form throughout the Portugal events and sits fourth in the rankings heading into the Egypt swing. The pair are close friends and travelling companions – with a trip to the Pyramids planned during their time in Cairo.
The field also features considerable DP World Tour experience in Spain’s Alejandro Canizares and England’s Ashley Chesters, along with in-form Jordan Wrisdale, who has impressed throughout the season. Austria’s Aron Zemmer returns to action having shown glimpses of his quality during the Portugal events.
Following New Giza, the Tour relocates to Address Marassi Golf Resort on Egypt’s Mediterranean coast for consecutive events from January 24 to 26 and January 29 to 31 before returning to Cairo for the series finale at Madinaty Golf Club from February 3 to 5.
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