Sunday, December 7, 2008

STENSON SEALS NEDBANK WIN

STENSON SEALS NEDBANK WIN


Sweden's Henrik Stenson on Sunday cruised to a wire-to-wire victory in the Nedbank Challenge at the Gary Player Country Club in Sun City.

Stenson carded a closing 68 for a 21-under-par total of 267 and nine-shot victory over Ryder Cup rival Kenny Perry, whose 65 was the best round of the day.

Robert Karlsson, who partnered compatriot Stenson to World Cup victory in China last week, finished a distant third on nine under par.

South African Rory Sabbatini was a shot further back in fourth, a stroke ahead of Ryder Cup team-mates Sergio Garcia and Lee Westwood who returned rounds of 70 and 72 respectively.

Former European number one Justin Rose (72) was ninth, while Luke Donald's comeback from a serious wrist injury saw him finish 11th in the 12-man field on four over par.

Spain's Miguel Angel Jimenez, pipped to the World Cup by Stenson and Karlsson seven days ago, propped up the field on five over.

Stenson dominated the tournament after opening with a course-record 63 and went into today's final round with a commanding eight-shot lead.

"I'm really happy with this victory, it's a fantastic way to finish the season," he said. "I have really enjoyed the week. The greens were in immaculate condition and the course looked as good as I have ever seen it."

The 32-year-old finished second on his debut in the event in 2006 and added: "I wanted to go one better. I had such a big lead and that took away a little from the excitement, but nothing takes away from winning."

Collated final round scores & totals in the Nedbank Golf Challenge, Sun City, Johannesburg, South Africa

(Rsa unless stated, par 72):

267 Henrik Stenson (Swe) 63 71 65 68

276 Kenny Perry (USA) 73 70 68 65

279 Robert Karlsson (Swe) 72 68 67 72

280 Rory Sabbatini 68 70 72 70

284 Sergio Garcia (Spa) 72 70 72 70, Lee Westwood (Eng) 70 72 70 72

286 James Kingston 72 77 70 67, KJ Choi (Kor) 72 67 73 74

290 Justin Rose (Eng) 73 73 72 72

291 Trevor Immelman 72 73 69 77

292 Luke Donald (Eng) 72 74 71 75

293 Miguel Angel Jimenez (Spa) 75 76 73 69


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