DUBAI - Henrik Stenson again demonstrated his affection for the European Tour's 'Gulf Swing' by winning the Dubai Desert Classic by one stroke today.
The Dubai-based Swede, who has finished in the top eight in the last six tournaments in the Middle East, overcame gusts of up to
30 kms an hour to shoot a closing 68 for a 19-under-par tally of 269 at the Emirates Golf Club.
Overnight leader Ernie Els (71) struggled to recover from a three-bogey outward half of 37. The three-times champion eventually finished second, despite holing out from a greenside bunker for a birdie at the 14th.
World number one Tiger Woods (69), who had won nine times in his previous 12 starts, was a further stroke back on 271 alongside Swede Niclas Fasth (68).
"I fought hard all week and to beat Ernie by one is awesome," Stenson told Sky Sports after rolling in an uphill eight-foot birdie putt at the par-five 18th.
"Living here in Dubai and having all the local fans, my friends and family watching me this week, it feels special to win this one."
World number 14 Stenson, who hits the ball prodigious distances off the tee, secured victory with a four-under back nine of 33 which included a run of three birdies in four holes from the 11th.
The Swede, who won the 2006 Qatar Masters and was seventh in his title defence last Sunday, was ably assisted in Dubai by Nick Faldo's former caddie Fanny Sunesson.
- REUTERS
