Henrik Stenson shares big money prize in Dubai

Henrik Stenson warmed up for this week's Dubai Desert Classic by pocketing a cool $250,000 (€183,000) at the Dubai Champions Challenge - an 18-hole stroke play event that brought together 20 past winners of the event.

Stenson shared first place in the event to mark the 25th anniversary of the Dubai Desert Classic with Spain’s Rafael Cabrera-Bello after both carded six under par rounds of 66. With no play-off in place, the pair split the first prize of $500,000 (€366,000).

“I made Dubai my home for close to ten years,” said Stenson after his round. “It’s a great place for me, this, and it’s always good fun to be back, and celebrating the 25th anniversary this year is also very special.

“There’s not many tournaments going on for that many years and we had a great roll of champions here so it’s been a good event.”

Rory McIlroy finished two shots off the pace after a round of 68, sharing third place with Alvaro Quiros with Tiger Woods a further three shots back. The world number one had birdied four of his first seven holes but failed to build on that and dropped three shots on his back nine.

Woods and McIlroy, meanwhile, will play together over the first two rounds of the Dubai Desert Classic when the tournament gets underway on Thursday. The pair have been drawn alongside defending champion Stephen Gallacher.