Sport Forward: Watson aiming for record in Dubai

Watson was runner-up after a play-off at the Open in 2009

Eight-time major winner Tom Watson hopes to become the oldest winner of the Dubai Desert Classic next month.

The 60-year-old American will join top European players at the event and is hoping to surpass the feat of Mark O'Meara, who won it in 2004 aged 47.

"The winners' list is quite impressive and I would be very proud and pleased to add my name to it," said Watson, runner-up at The Open in 2009.

Emirates Golf Club will host the tournament from 1-7 February.

And Mohamed Juma Buamaim, chief executive of Golf In Dubai, said: "We are delighted to have a player and stature of the calibre of Tom Watson.

606: DEBATE

How will Watson get on at the tournament in Dubai?

"He is a great player, we all know."

Watson was denied a fairytale sixth win at the Open at Turnberry last July when he lost in a play-off against compatriot Stewart Cink.

Among his rivals in Dubai will be Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy, the defending champion, who is only a third of Watson's age.

Sport Forward