Stenson wins British Open
Edinburgh: Henrik Stenson has crowned one of golf’s great comebacks with a thrilling and breathtaking British Open triumph at Royal Troon.
In the finest final round in Open history, Stenson eclipsed Phil Mickelson by three shots in an epic battle down the stretch that evoked memories of Tom Watson’s famous “Duel in the Sun” victory over Jack Nicklaus at Turnberry 39 years ago.
The cool Swede closed with an incredible 10 birdies in a record-equalling eight-under-par-63 to finish with an historic 72-hole total of 20-under 264 to become the first Scandinavian man ever to win a major championship.
The stunning aggregate - after previous rounds of 68-65-68 - beat Tiger Woods’ all-time low scoring record from his runaway victory at St Andrews in 2000.
Stenson’s success was also sweet revenge after Mickelson overturned a one-shot deficit to deny him the Claret Jug at Muirfield in 2013.
“Wow, this will take a little while to sink in,” Stenson said after kissing the Claret Jug and dedicating his victory to a “dear friend” he’d lost last week to cancer.
“Thank you Phil for a fantastic battle. You played some great golf.
“I’m obviously delighted to come out on top this time, but thank you very much for a great fight.” Bidding to become the oldest Open winner since Old Tom Morris in 1867, Mickelson was gallant with a flawless 65 featuring four birdies and an eagle - but still unable to land a fairytale sixth career major at 46.
Going birdie for birdie all weekend, the pair separated themselves from the field, just like Watson and Nicklaus finished 11 and 10 shots ahead of their challengers in 1977. -AAP crease they appeared to still have a chance but he was undone by Yasir Shah when he was two short of his half century.
The end was nigh after that as the final three wickets went down for 12 runs.
Pakistan’s players celebrated victory by doing press-ups in front of their jubilant supporters.
“It is one of the top wins as captain and for Pakistan as a team,” captain Misbah ul-Haq said. “I am very proud of the team and the way they came out and showed really good skills.
“Today, mentally everybody was strong, and were patient. Everyone bowled well, especially Yasir Shah.” - Reuters All Blacks” first appeared on the jersey in 1986. In 1994 long-time sponsors Steinlager had their emblem added to the uniform. Adidas took over the manufacturing from Canterbury New Zealand in 1999. The words “New Zealand” were dropped in 2003, and in 2012 the three letters of sponsor AIG were placed on the front of the jersey. The white collar was brought back ahead of the 2011 World Cup before being dropped again in 2015.
Adidas remains tight-lipped on the latest revamp. “Unfortunately due to our commercial commitments we are unable to discuss details on the future planning of our partnership with the All Blacks,” New Zealand country manager Quentin Bleakley said.
Until the new look is released, fans looking to deck themselves out in the current edition would be best off shopping halfway around the world.
Official replica 2015 jerseys, featuring the silver fern, adidas and AIG logos, are on sale at upmarket Harrods in London for £9.95, or just $17.95. The same garment will set you back $150 at Rebel Sport, Stirling Sports or the adidas store. - Herald on Sunday