Manassero attributes victory to Abu Dhabi break

Italian Matteo Manassero put his sucess at the Barclay's Singapore Open down to a week-long break in Abu Dhabi during F1 week

Matteo Manassero

Barclay's Singapore Open champion Matteo Manassero believes a week of relaxation and practice in Abu Dhabi during F1 week was responsible for his third European Tour victory.

After his win, the 19-year-old - an ambassador for Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority - highlighted how the world-class facilities at Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club and Yas Links played a role in his play-off triumph.

"Taking time off to practice in Abu Dhabi last week helped me win what's arguably the toughest tournament victory of my career," said the Italian.

"That little bit of downtime helped get my mind focused and my game in great shape ahead of what is always a highly-competitive end to the European Tour season.

"It's a great win against some of the biggest names in the game and I'm thrilled. I'm already looking for the next gap in my calendar so I can get back out to practice in Abu Dhabi!"

With victory, Manassero moved up to 13th in the Race to Dubai stadings, having amassed €1,493,688 thus far in 2012.

"Matteo is on course to become one of the game's great players over the coming years," added Faisal Al Sheikh, Events Manager, TCA Abu Dhabi.

"For someone of such tender years, his achievements are simply extraordinary. He is a big favourite with the local galleries and we cannot wait to welcome him back to the emirate ahead of next year's Abu Dhabi Golf Championship."

The Abu Dhabi Golf Championship takes place from January 17-20, 2013 at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club, with Tiger Woods and world number one Rory McIlroy in the field.

Nick Bonfield
Features Editor

Nick Bonfield joined Golf Monthly in 2012 after graduating from Exeter University and earning an NCTJ-accredited journalism diploma from News Associates in Wimbledon. He is responsible for managing production of the magazine, sub-editing, writing, commissioning and coordinating all features across print and online. Most of his online work is opinion-based and typically centres around the Majors and significant events in the global golfing calendar. Nick has been an avid golf fan since the age of ten and became obsessed with the professional game after watching Mike Weir and Shaun Micheel win The Masters and PGA Championship respectively in 2003. In his time with Golf Monthly, he's interviewed the likes of Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose, Jose Maria Olazabal, Henrik Stenson, Padraig Harrington, Lee Westwood and Billy Horschel and has ghost-written columns for Westwood, Wayne Riley, Matthew Southgate, Chris Wood and Eddie Pepperell. Nick is a 12-handicap golfer and his favourite courses include Old Head, Sunningdale New, Penha Longha, Valderrama and Bearwood Lakes. If you have a feature pitch for Nick, please email nick.bonfield@futurenet.com with 'Pitch' in the subject line. Nick is currently playing: Driver: TaylorMade M1 Fairway wood: TaylorMade RBZ Stage 2 Hybrid: Ping Crossover Irons (4-9): Nike Vapor Speed Wedges: Cleveland CBX Full Face, 56˚, Titleist Vokey SM4, 60˚ Putter: testing in progress! Ball: TaylorMade TP5x