Howell aims to repeat 1999 Dubai success (From Swindon Advertiser)

Howell aims to repeat 1999 Dubai success

7:40am Thursday 9th February 2012 in Sport By Ned Payne

AS a sprightly 23-year-old beginning to make an impression in the professional game, David Howell most likely arrived at the Dubai Desert Classic in 1999 with upbeat yet modest expectations.

However, what followed was the start of Howell’s career proper.

The youngster, who had turned pro four years previously, was superb in the Middle East, finishing on 13-under-par to win the tournament by four strokes from fellow Englishman Lee Westwood.

That victory was the Broome Manor star’s first big career success, and preceded a gradual journey up the rankings that was to culminate in Howell helping to propel Europe to success in the 2004 and 2006 Ryder Cups.

These days, Howell probably approaches the tournament with decidedly different thoughts. The Swindonian failed to make the cut at the three-round Qatar Masters last weekend and has not started the year in anything like the form he would have liked.

However, in a tournament in which he experienced his first great success, the 36-year-old may well rediscover his low-scoring touch.

Howell tees off with Ben Curtis and Matthew Zions at 12noon local time today (8am GMT).

The field includes the likes of Westwood, Martin Kaymer and Peter Hanson.