Steady Stenson forges historic path
HENRIK Stenson’s form showed no sign of relenting yesterday as the Swede, hoping to create history by becoming the first player to win the FedEx Cup on the PGA Tour and Race to Dubai crown on the European Tour, took a one-shot lead at the halfway stage of the $US8 million ($ A8.6 million) DP World Tour Championship.
At the Earth course of Jumeirah Golf Estates, Stenson never looked in any trouble as he put together a stunning, bogey- free round of eight- under par 64 — the joint best round of the day.
That gave the 37-year-old a two-day tally of 12-under par 132, one better than overnight leader, Spain’s Alezandro Canizares, who added a bogey-free 67 to his 66.
Last week’s Turkish Open champion, France’s Victor Dubuisson, moved back into contention with a 66 that took him to tied third place at eight- under par 136 alongside Australian Marcus Fraser (69).
Among those who can deny Stenson the honour of becoming the European number one by winning this week, No.2 in the Race to Dubai standings, Justin Rose (67), and number four Ian Poulter ( 68) were tied for fourth place at seven-under par 137 alongside Thai Kiradech Aphibarnrat (70).
No. 3 Graeme McDowell started the day with a bogey, but then regrouped with five birdies to finish with a fourunder par 68 round.
Also moving in the right direction was the defending champion, Rory McIlroy. The former world No. 1 shot a five-under par 67 round to move up to tied ninth place at six-under par, six shots behind leader Stenson.