Stars confirmed for Abu Dhabi

Padraig Harrington and Sergio Garcia have both been confirmed for January's Abu Dhabi Golf Championship.

Harrington promises to take his 'A' game to the Middle East

Organisers of the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship have confirmed that both Padraig Harrington and Sergio Garcia will compete in the US$2 million tournament early next year. Joining the two European Ryder Cup stars will be defending champion Martin Kaymer, who narrowly missed being part of the biennial showdown against the United States at Valhalla last month. Faisal al-Sheikh of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority said: "This Championship is central to our long-term golf tourism strategy which is being empowered with the creation of new championship facilities in Abu Dhabi. "We are delighted to have in our field two of the top-five ranked players in the world and we are sure of some thrilling golf when the tournament takes place." Harrington, winner of both the Open and the USPGA Championships this year, added: "I've done quite nicely in Abu Dhabi in the past. I like the course and I do feel it's one I'm competitive on. "The last couple of times, I was just starting my season there, but I am focusing hard on my preparation and I think when I come to Abu Dhabi in January, I'll be ready with my 'A' game." The organizers said they hoped to attract several more names from the world's top 20. Garcia and Harrington are currently ranked third and fifth. Garcia broke a three-year title drought on the European Tour at the weekend when he won the Castello Masters in Spain.