World Tour Championship: Henrik Stenson closes on payday as 64 leaves pack behind in Dubai

 

Steve Saunders
Friday 15 November 2013 17:41 EST
Comments
Henrik Stenson hit eight birdies in Dubai yesterday to lead by one shot
Henrik Stenson hit eight birdies in Dubai yesterday to lead by one shot (Reuters)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Henrik Stenson rattled in eight birdies for a second-round 64 to lead Dubai’s World Tour Championship by one shot from Alejandro Canizares yesterday, putting the Swede firmly in control of a five-man tussle to top the 2013 European money list.

The world No 3, who finished 12 under par, has yet to win on the European circuit this year but won the USPGA Tour’s end-of-season FedEx Cup in September and seems poised for another bumper payday following a near-flawless performance at Jumeirah.

“I hit a lot of fairways, a lot of greens, gave myself opportunities and rolled a couple of nice putts,” he said. Stenson, England’s Justin Rose and Northern Ireland’s Graeme McDowell would all top the money list should they prevail over 72 holes on the desert course.

Englishman Ian Poulter and Wales’s Jamie Donaldson would do likewise if they win this tournament and Stenson finishes third or lower.

The chasing quartet are struggling to keep up with the nerveless Swede; Rose (67) and Poulter (68) are among a group of players tied for fifth on 137, or seven under, while McDowell (68) and Donaldson (72) are on 140.

Rory McIlroy, the outgoing money list winner, could steal a late march on the leaderboard after scoring a steady 67 to put him on 138. “The way I’m hitting the ball I’m giving myself plenty of birdie chances. I feel there is a low score in there,” he said.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in