The presentation was attended by Sheikh Ahmed Al Jaber Al Abdullah Al Sabah – President Arab and Kuwait Tennis Federation, H.H. Sheikh Hasher bin Maktoum al Maktoum, President of Tennis Emirates, Abdul Rahman Falaknaz, Vice President Tennis Emirates, Colm McLoughlin, Managing Director of tournament owners and organisers Dubai Duty Free, and tournament director Salah Tahlak.

Federer looked tentative from the start, and second-seeded Djokovic earned an early break for 2-1 when Federer made a backhand error. Djokovic then held two more break points to lead 4-1, and although Federer held on to win on his fourth game point he dropped his serve again at 5-3 when Djokovic forced another backhand error.

Federer reduced his errors at the beginning of the second set and was rewarded with a break for 2-1. But his lead was short-lived, as Djokovic leveled at 3-3 when Federer netted a smash, and the defending champion went on to claim the next four games as well to take his winning streak in Dubai to 15 matches.

“I guess I raised up to the occasion,” said Djokovic, who allowed Federer just five points in the last five games. “I was aware of the challenge that is expecting me on the court, and I was aware of the fact that I need to be on top of my game in order to beat Roger.

“So the focus was there. It was different conditions than yesterday, which - I was just a different player there. I was serving really well, especially the first set, holding my serve except that one game when I got broken, you know, confidently through throughout the whole match. Just the perfect performance overall.”

Federer admitted that he had found it difficult to maintain his challenge after he had recovered from his slow start.

“Started bad and then kind of got into the match, but things are over in a hurry sometimes in best-of-three-set tennis,” he said. “No, look, I think Novak played well. Obviously disappointing end as well to the match. I guess you can’t win them all. I played so well in Doha in the finals, in London in the finals, in Basel in the finals. I guess I had to mess one up. It’s a pity, but, look, Novak played great.

“It’s a pity I wasn’t able to hang on a bit longer, and especially in the second set to push him a bit more. What happened to Gasquet last night happened to me today. You know, all of a sudden things happen really quickly here on this kind of surface.”

The competition will for the first time take place at the Yas Links Abu Dhabi, the stunning new venue being testament to the prestige of this event. The format of the tournament will be Stableford ¾ handicap and to enter, participants must have a current registered EGF handicap, form a two-ball and pay the entry fee of Dh900 per person (which includes a prize-giving barbecue).

Winners of the UAE competition will go on to represent the UAE at the world final which takes places from May 3-8 and will bring together players from over 20 countries at the spectacular Simola Golf & Country Estate (pictured), in the Garden Route district of South Africa – the venue which hosted the Danish team during the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

This is the first Jack Nicklaus Signature course on the Garden Route, reflecting the maestro’s philosophy of attuning the layout and design to the natural lie of the land. The course offers challenging and rewarding golf amidst spectacular scenery. It’s par for the course that every hole boasts exceptional views; either out across the Knysna Lagoon or over the picturesque Knysna River as it twists and turns through the valley below. 

The World Final has been played at many distinct locations around the world including Jamaica (Half Moon Bay), Mauritius (One & Only Le Touessrok), Malaysia (Saujana Golf & Country Club), Spain (La Manga Club, Murcia) and South Africa (Fancourt and Oubaai).

“This is a wonderful opportunity for golfers in the UAE, not only to compete for a unique chance to represent the UAE in one of the most prestigious corporate golf events in the world, but also to take part in a great day out which always provides plenty of networking and business opportunities,” said Donal Kilalea, CEO of Promoseven Sports Marketing, the franchise owner of the World Corporate Golf Challenge for the Middle East.

“Over one million business executives across the globe have participated in the World Corporate Golf Challenge since its inception in 1993 and as Promoseven Sports we are thrilled to once again be a part of this exceptional event,” added Kilalea.

Bookings for the UAE event can be made online through http://www.bizgolfuae.com or for more information on the World Corporate Golf Challenge, contact Jane Sloan on jane@promoseven.com or Joanita Colaco on Joanita@promoseven.com or (04) 321 0008.

Ferrari World’s ‘The Test Driver’s Dream’ allows you to sit shotgun with a racing champion in a motion based simulator allowing you to step from the GT to the F1, lean into the corners on the Fiorano track and the streets around Maranello.  It’s just one of a host of rides.  More info at http://www.ferrariworldabudhabi.com/en-gb/attractions/driving-with-champions.aspx Tickets are available from the venue and cost from Dhs165 kids, Dhs225 adults. 

Whether you’re a beginner or just looking to brush up on those riding skills, everyone can book a pony ride, an outdoor ride or a 30-minute private riding lesson from just Dhs150 per person.  Family and friends can enjoy watching from specially designed viewing areas.  Long trousers and shoes with a small heel are recommended. 

For something a little special book a 45-minute swimming session with the horses which costs Dhs300 per person, a beginners 45-minute walk and 45-minute swim is Dhs450 per person. For intermediate and advanced riders, a 60-minute outdoor ride and 45-minute swim is Dhs500.

Contact Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa on 04 883 6000 / 04 8145555, email: jagrs@jaihotels.com or contact Kicki Nordlander on 050 1890425 or via email: k_nordlander@hotmail.com, or log onto http://www.jebelali-international.com/Properties/JAGRS/SportsLeisure/HorseRiding.aspx

Four hour fishing trips at the Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa start from Dhs1,750 per trip for seven people, including a captain, tackle, croissants and soft drinks. 

For the perfect end to your excursion you can ask the Chef at Club Joumana Sports Café to prepare your catch of the day. 

For more information, please contact Club Joumana Reception on 04 8154444 or e-mail jagrs@jaihotels.com . 

Options for the one session a week 12 week course include the one day per week package at Dhs1,260 per child or the two days per week package for Dhs2,000 each.  Family packages are also available offering 25% discount for siblings.  Course fee includes a full UMBRO playing kit (shirt, shorts, socks) shin pads, water bottle, baseball cap, skill ball and kit bag.

Call Paul Collins, Louis Lancaster and Chris Brown at the Jebel Ali International Centre of Excellence on 04 883 0828 to book your place.

Running, cycling and especially swimming will help improve your stamina and will help tone up the all important paddling muscles. Experience in bathing at surf beaches is advantageous as it will help you develop an awareness of the behaviour of waves. Always remember to carry out a warm up before going surfing and before carrying out any type of training.

Equipment
Surfboards For an intermediate level surfer of average size and physique, a “standard” surfboard is around 6’4” to 6’10” (1.9m - 2.05m) long and 18” to 20” (45 cm - 50 cm) wide. The board will weigh around 8lbs. (3.5 Kgs) and be about 2.5” (6.5 cm) thick. The upper surface (deck) of the board should be waxed (this repels water and gives a better foothold to avoid slipping). Alternatively a special stick-on deck grip may be used in place of wax.

Beginners need larger than average boards (at least 12"- 300 mm longer than they are tall) and all boards need a suitable surf leash. Soft skinned surfboards are ideal for learning to surf. Wetsuits A one piece wetsuit, either a full suit or “shorty” (short arms and short legs), is a must for surfing in colder waters. A 3/2 mm double lined suit is adequate for summer use however a 4/3 mm is best if you intend to surf in the Spring and Autumn.

Paddling Out

Before paddling out always watch other surfers to see where best to enter the water. Ask the advice of lifeguards or experienced surfers to find out if there are any dangers you should be aware of. To paddle the board, lie prone on it - length wise, with the nose of the board just above the surface of the water. Use your arms as paddles either side of the board (using the crawl swimming stroke) and practice paddling to find the technique best suited to your needs.

Taking Off

Study the pattern of the waves before deciding how far out to paddle. Make sure you are not directly lined up with another surfer or swimmer and then get into position facing the beach. When a suitable wave is about 5 metres from you check there are no other surfers on it and start paddling. As the wave reaches you it lifts the board and, if you are paddling fast enough, the wave propels you forward. Take hold of the rails and jump straight to your feet.

Your front foot should be about half way up the board with your rear foot about 24” (600 mm) behind it. Your back foot should be at approximately right angles to the centre of the board, your front foot at 45 degrees. Make sure all the time that the nose of the board is above the water, not too far up or you will fall back into the wave, and not too far down or the board will nose dive. The best place to learn how to catch waves and to stand up is in the white water whilst being instructed by a qualified coach.

Riding a Wave

Once you have mastered standing up in one movement the next step is to keep ahead of the breaking part of the wave by manoeuvring (turning) away from the white water. This is done by putting more of your weight on your back foot whilst leaning in the direction you wish to go whilst making sure that the nose of the board remains above water level.

Turning the surfboard is a key skill as it is an essential requirement for avoiding collisions with other surfers and swimmers. Always watch out for other surfers and swimmers etc and do not keep your eyes fixed on the board (or on your feet) - keep your head up and look ahead.

Leaving the Wave

You may surf all the way to the shore or stop the ride intentionally because you are running out of wave, or for other reasons such as to avoid a collision. The technique is the same as for turning and you can stop quickly by turning sharply back into the wave, or over it. This is done by moving your weight back as far as possible on the board to enable you to achieve a strong swivel movement. In slow shore-break surf, the board can be stopped by stepping to the rear of the board and allowing the wave to overtake.

Controlling your Board

It is vital that you are in control of your board at all times and that you do not let the surfboard control you. Full control is essential for proper surfing and to achieve this you should practice in stages. Do not go out too far to start with and select the smaller inside waves on which to perfect your technique. All learners should start in white water, but all should get outside and catch unbroken waves as soon as possible.

Perfecting Techniques

After the basic techniques of paddling, catching, riding and leaving a wave have been mastered improvements and refinements can be made. Help and advice from more experienced surfers or from an accredited surf coach will be very useful as will joining a surf club is an advantage and reading books and surfing magazines.

Leashes and Insurance

A surf leash (approx. 6’ (1.8m) long) securing the surfboard to your ankle should be used at all times. Leashes prevent loose boards from getting out of control and possibly injuring people, they also mean that your board (a safety aid) remains with you at all times. You should never surf without Third Party Insurance Cover, which in any case is mandatory in some areas. Some clubs like the British Surfing Association offer Public Liability Insurance included in their membership of the and covers you for claims of up to Dhs15,000,000 anywhere in the World.

Surfing Courses

If you’re in the UK, the British Surfing Association runs surfing courses for individuals and groups of all ages and abilities at the National Surfing centre in Newquay, Cornwall. Whatever you current standard of surfing there are improvements you could make which will help you to get more from the sport. There are also a number of approved surf schools worldwide, where you can learn the sport from qualified coaches using the correct equipment and techniques.  Here in Dubai check out the website http://www.surfersofdubai.com which has plenty of information about local surfing both in the UAE and Oman and where you can sign up for lessons with Surf Dubai Surf School or arrange to hire surf boards.

Urban Golf opened in 2004, with six simulators in its Soho premises so golfers could experience playing famous courses such as St Andrews and Valderrama (pictured) during their lunch hour. The concept was so successful that Urban Golf opened a new venue last year at Smithfield.

To play, you have to strike your ball towards a projected image of the hole on the chosen course. The simulator uses two infrared pulses to measure speed and spin, and shows on screen what would have happened to the ball.

James Day, gave up his job as head teaching professional at Stoke Park club to set up Urban Golf. Day said “You’re not out in the fresh air, but in terms of hitting a golf shot, it’s very close (to the real thing) - I’m talking 98%.”

Edward Freedman, chairman of Urban Golf, added “You don’t have to travel miles away to go to a golf course. You can go for an hour and hit some balls.”

The simulator is also good for beginners, who can learn without the embarrassment of holding up other players on a course.

For more details click here http://www.urbangolf.co.uk

Play better golf

Need to improve your game? Then click here for online video tutorials.

Scuba is an acronym derived from Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus, named for the tanks and other gear which divers carry on their backs allowing them to breathe underwater.

Although this essential “life-support equipment” and a commitment of real training is necessary in order to become safe and proficient enough with it to dive, even in a small lake or quarry, technological advancements and improvements in science and engineering have enabled longer times underwater, deeper dives, and reduced danger in this exhilarating activity enjoyed by athletes and nature lovers.

Having originally been popularized by Jacques Cousteau and Emile Gagnan, who built the Aqualung (a name still used in Britain to describe scuba equipment today), scuba is now enjoyed by millions of people worldwide, ranging from locations as temperate tropical waters to under-ice sub-arctic diving for scientific purposes or by adventure seekers. Unsurprisingly, the sport has a strong following in the UAE.

Many people are unaware of the length of time necessary to attain scuba proficiency and certification. The dominant worldwide organisation involved in certification is the Professional Association of Dive Instructors, or PADI. But in the United States, there is also the National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI) while in the UK there is the British Sub Aqua Club, or BSAC.

Depending on the course, new divers can get certified in as little as three to four days of actual instruction - since the courses are based on performance standards and not on hours of instruction, this number can be higher or lower. Also, if a diver wishes to do more technical and dangerous dives or to use more advanced equipment, more training would be necessary in order to ensure safety.

Anyone who enjoys vacations to tropical areas or who appreciates nature and enjoys the water can now consider scuba diving, thanks to the advances mentioned in science and engineering, as well as the establishment of standardised certification and training programs worldwide. If you’ve never considered it, much more information is available online to help you decide if scuba makes sense for you.

* Ian Scott is an experienced diver, and he loves to travel. When he is not searching for long lost treasures, he writes for thescubaguide.com - a phenomenal resource for anyone interested in cave diving, scuba gear, dive skins and more.

To read the full article, click here.

Here is the definitive UAEasy.com guide for entry level skiers. If you haven’t been too physically active for a few months it’s a good idea to start doing some basic ski exercises before your trip. Most skiing injuries are the result of poor conditioning.

For a few exercises tailored specifically to skiing check out http://www.skiexerciseworkouts.com.

Obviously equipment plays an important part in skiing. Assuming you haven’t skied much in the past, you’ll need to hire equipment. All resorts geared to holiday makers have equipment rental, with trained staff to kit you out. Here area few pointers.

First the boots. There are top entry boots, and rear entry boots. Rear entry boots typically have one clip or buckle, while top entry boots have as many as four clips you can use to adjust the fit of the ski boot. Most ski boots have a velcro strap called a power strap, across the top of the boot. Pull it tight to adjust the fit of your boots, so they are tight on your calves and shins.

You don’t want the boots to be too tight (and cut off your circulation) or too loose, which will impede your skiing. Be sure that you have room to wiggle your toes.  If the boot fits properly, when you do a partial squat your heels should stay put.  If your foot is sliding in the boot, re-buckle it so it’s tighter, or try a half-size smaller. A walk around the shop will prove awkward, but it will enable you to tell how the boots fit.

Obviously skis are an important part of the equation. Tell the rental shop staff what your skill level is (be honest) and what sort of skiing you expect to do.  You’ll probably want a basic all-round mountain type of ski. Shorter skis with more flex are generally easier to handle for a beginner. Other factors include weight, gender and snow conditions which can range from fresh fluffy powder to hard packed ice-like conditions. Again the shop staff will have a pretty good idea what conditions the slopes are in as it can vary from day to day and season to season.

Goggles are a good idea, they improve visibility and keep your eyes from drying out. They also provide a bit of a disguise if things aren’t going so well. If you need to wear prescription glasses while skiing make sure you have them with you when you try on goggles. Prescription goggles are available, but not likely in the budget for an occasional skier. A ski helmet might be a good idea. First, they add to the “incognito” factor, but they make a lot of sense for a beginner. Some jurisdictions are actually considering making helmets mandatory for obvious reasons. One of the big benefits of a helmet, aside from preventing serious injury, they are warm.
Ski poles are a must. As a novice you don’t need anything special, and the rental staff should be able to give you something that is adequate.

When booking your trip check out the availability of lessons. A lot of resorts offer a full package with a lesson each morning. You’ll be amazed how much you improve over a period of four or five days. Most resorts that offer lessons will allow you to move into a more advanced group if your skill level justifies it. With modern equipment, there is an inherent turning capability engineered into the ski and the learning curve is not nearly as steep as it once was.

The main things you’ll need to learn are turning both ways and stopping. An out of control skier is a danger to himself and everyone else, and resorts will not hesitate to take away your lift pass if they feel you are unsafe. You can also get lesson package for all members of the family. Individual lessons are an unnecessary expense, go for the group lesson and you make some new friends in the process. Make sure the instructors are certified. Even the most advanced skiers can benefit from a few lessons from time to time.

At peak times of the season, lessons can fill up fast, register on line rather than wait until you get to the resort. Often, children’s lessons will include a fully structured day, leaving Mom and Dad free to concentrate on their own fun.

There are a few things to consider when booking your trip. Regardless of the level skier you are, it’s important to check the statistics for the ski resorts you are interested in prior to booking your ski trip. All resorts should provide information on the current conditions, the base snow, the percentage of trails for each level skier (beginner, intermediate and expert) and the lesson programs offered. In many cases, you’ll be able to purchase a lift ticket in advance. Online purchases are often available at discounts, so booking online is a good way to ski and save.

If you are planning a family trip choose a resort that is geared towards families and children. Not all resorts are suitable for beginner skiers.  None of the resorts will turn down beginners, but some have more slopes suited to the novice. Also, particularly for kids, look at other non-skiing amenities.  If conditions deteriorate you may want to take an afternoon off and do other things. Related to amenities, be aware of your limitations, take a rest when you begin to feel tired, especially on the first day or two. Most ski accidents happen near the bottom of the hill toward the end of the day because of fatigue.

Remember; you’re the customer and the customer is always right. If you have problems with your rental equipment get the shop to check it out, they may have given you mismatched skis, or equipment that is not suited to your skill level.  Probably the best tip here is to ask around. Talk to friends who have had recent ski holidays, find out what their experience was like.

Don’t forget to brush up your skills or take a beginners course down at Ski Dubai to get a head start on the slopes before you go.
http://www.skidxb.com

Click here to read the article in Local Scene.