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Stenson to stick with tried and tested formula

Dubai - The amiable Swede eclipsed Rory McIlroy (2012) and Lee Westwood's (2009) then-tournament record (a 23-under par 265) in shooting a 25-under par 263 to prevail by six strokes to runner-up Ian Poulter in 2013.

Defending champion Henrik Stenson says he'll stick with the same strategy that has served him so well around the Earth course as he goes in search of a third successive Race to Dubai finale crown here.
The amiable Swede eclipsed Rory McIlroy (2012) and Lee Westwood's (2009) then-tournament record (a 23-under par 265) in shooting a 25-under par 263 to prevail by six strokes to runner-up Ian Poulter in 2013.
He followed that up by carding a 16-under par 272 in a two-shot victory this time last year, when he also clinched the Race to Dubai (RTD) honours as well.
Stenson then knows his way around these parts better than most and only too well and, with that proven pedigree and track record at Jumeirah Golf Estates (JGE), it's little wonder he'll be adopting the exact same approach in his quest for a three-peat.
"I'm going to make the same plan, hopefully play somewhat close to what I've done the previous two years and we'll see if we can give it a shot," the 39-year-old said.
"You'd be stupid to change so much of the plan I've used the previous two years. It's going to stay the same. I really feel like I've got a big advantage here by hitting a lot of fairways and greens and that's been key to my success in the past two years. That's the strong part of my game and it really pays off on a golf course like this one, especially on Bermuda grass.
"It's a fairly long golf course and I can hit high iron shots that stop quickly pretty well at times, so that works well around here too."
Stenson faces some stiff competition nonetheless this week, with seven of the 60-strong field still in the running to win the RTD on Sunday. World number three Rory McIlroy is marginally in pole position as things stand, yet - with six other contenders also in the mix - a fitting finale is in store.
"This is one of my favourite weeks of the year and I'm excited about the opportunity to make it three in a row," Stenson commented.
"It's not going to be easy. I know that much. I've got 59 other players who dearly want to stop me.
"It's going to be difficult to win a tournament like this no matter how the (RTD) standings are.
"I just need to play really solid if I want to be up there again. I simply have to focus on a good week to try and make it three in a row and that is exciting enough in itself."
alex@khaleejtimes.com