Tuesday, December 2, 2008

SWEDE SUCCESS FOR DUO

SWEDE SUCCESS FOR DUO


Henrik Stenson believes playing with Robert Karlsson at the Ryder Cup this year gave Sweden the edge over other countries as they combined to secure the Omega Mission Hills World Cup.

Sweden overturned a four-stroke deficit in final-round foursomes to capture only their second World Cup victory in the tournament's 54-year history and first since 1991.

Stenson and 2008 European Tour Order of Merit winner Karlsson played superbly together, shooting nine birdies in a flawless round for a nine-under-par 63.

That ensured they finished the tournament in 27-under 261 overall, three strokes ahead of Spain's Miguel Angel Jimenez and Pablo Larrazabal.

"I think playing in the Ryder Cup, it gives you great experience, and we had a great fourball together at Valhalla, and that's the only time we've played together before coming into this week," said Stenson.

"A team event is good fun. It's a format I really enjoy, and I think it sort of brings out the best of both players who can be there to cover up for each other, and then keep fighting hard for your partner.

"It has all worked out great."

Karlsson, meanwhile, admitted he was delighted to be joining famous players such as Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Seve Ballesteros in lifting the World Cup trophy.

"If you look on the trophy, there's many impressive pairings on there," he said.

"I hope we can look back on it in the future and say the same about us playing here.

"It means very much to win for the country. This has always been an event in Sweden that's been big. To play for your country is great."

Spain's Jimenez, meanwhile, refused to dwell on the defeat and instead paid tribute to his team-mate Larrazabal.

The duo had looked in control of the tournament after partnering well in Friday's second-round foursomes, carding a 63 that sent them four strokes clear at the top of the leaderboard.

However, while Sweden only became stronger, Spain's challenge weakened but Jimenez reflected on what he felt had still been a 'fun' week.

"We were playing very well and I have a very nice partner," said the 44-year-old.

"We enjoyed all week and I really had fun with (Larrazabal).

"We didn't win the tournament, but apart from that, a very fine week."

England's Ian Poulter and Ross Fisher finished well as a five-under-par 67 took them to sixth place.

In contrast, Paul McGinley and Graeme McDowell suffered their worst round of the tournament for Ireland, carding a five-over 77 to drop to 16th while Scotland's Colin Montgomerie and Alastair Forsyth signed for a 72 to finish seven under par overall, tied for 19th place.


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