Quiros bidding to be a big hit again in

Commercialbank Qatar Masters

NEWS RELEASE ISSUED BY ALAN EWENS
Doha (QATAR): After a hard-earned winter break, big-hitting Spaniard Alvaro Quiros will be out to defend his title when the 2010 Commercialbank Qatar Masters, Presented by Dolphin Energy is staged at Doha Golf Club from January 28-31.
Following a gruelling season that saw him compete in 26 European Tour events and end the year in 20th place in the rankings, the man with the biggest drive on the Tour has confirmed he will be back in the Qatari capital aiming to become the first golfer to successfully defend the Mother of Pearl trophy.
“I have to come back for two reasons,” said the 26 year-old Quiros (pictured). “One is I am the defending champion and the other is I truly believe the Gulf tournaments we play in Doha, Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the best three tournaments in a row that we play on the Tour.
“Qatar is a great place. The golf course, the food, the hotel – everything is good and I’m very comfortable there. Winning last year opened doors for me. It took me to 24th in the world and thanks to Qatar I was able to play my first full years of Majors. My other wins helped me but it’s fair to say Qatar was the last tier, the final push to get to the highest level in the world.”
Hassan Al Nuami, Chairman of the Qatar Golf Association (QGA), which stages the event in association with the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC), said having the champion confirm his appearance so early underlines the status of the tournament.
“I am delighted to hear Alvaro enjoyed his time with us last year,” he said. “Obviously he will remember his victory forever but to hear his positive comments about the city of Doha and the quality of Doha Golf Club gives us a great boost as we prepare for the thirteenth staging of the event in January.”
With an average drive of 314 yards, Quiros is the biggest hitter on the European Tour, a fact he believes helps any golfer with hopes of winning in Doha. “You look at some of the recent winners like Adam Scott, Henrik Stenson and myself – the course obviously suits big hitters. But to win in Doha you still need to have a good all-round game.
“It will be tough to win it a second time – a lot of players on the Tour don’t even win one tournament – but I’m looking forward to it and to trying to play my way into the European Ryder Cup team.”

Andrew Stevens, CEO of title sponsors Commercialbank Group, was among the party of dignitaries who presented Quiros with the stunning trophy less than twelve months ago.
“Alvaro is wonderful golfer and a charming person,” said Stevens. “We should never forget that last year’s event rating, based on the Official World Golf Ranking of the entire field, was the highest of any regular Tour event excluding the Majors, World Golf Championship events and the flagship BMW PGA Championship.
“To win in that company says a lot for his qualities and emphasises the strength in depth of the young players competing today on the European Tour. I’m sure the galleries in Qatar will give him the kind of reception deserving of our reigning champion.”