Stenson returns to Asian Open with something to prove

Henrik Stenson returns to Shanghai as the top draw in the star-studded April 24-27 BMW Asian Open with something to prove after his near miss a few years earlier.

The top-ranked Swede, Europe's current No 1 and world No 12, gave his Chinese fans a glimpse of why many predicted big things from him after he led the 2006 BMW Asian Open at Tomson Pudong through three rounds.

After reeling off birdies on holes 6 through 8 in the final round to take a three-stroke lead, the 31-year-old Gothenberg native found tree trouble on the ninth and carded a triple-bogey 8. After falling out of the lead, he fought back to birdie the final hole and force a playoff with Fernandez-Castano Gonzalo.

It was over quickly, though, as Gonzalo sank a memorable chip shot to birdie the first.

Stenson, who will be playing in China for the eighth time when he comes to Shanghai for the $2.3 million tournament, admitted he was disappointed by the result during his last visit but was proud of the way he fought back to force the playoff.

"Of course, it is never fun to lose a playoff, but I know I can play well at Tomson Pudong. I am very motivated to try and go one better this time," said the six-time European Tour winner.

"I enjoy coming to China. The fans are very supportive but a few mobile phones less would not hurt. I have found China to be a very interesting place, especially in the differences between Beijing and Shanghai - old versus new."

His visits have also given him a first-hand look at the young talent emerging from China.

"I think Asia and China will continue to develop good players and I can't see why in the future one shouldn't get close to the best in the world," he said.

Scouting local talent is fun, but Stenson says he is coming to Shanghai to win, and judging by his recent record, a win in Shanghai seems highly likely. Last year, he won twice for the second consecutive year, including a victory in Dubai where he fought off superstars Tiger Woods and Ernie Els.

He started this season strongly with an equal second in Abu Dhabi followed by a runner-up in Qatar. At the WGC Match Play in February, where he was the defending champion, he finished third after seeing off Justin Leonard 3 and 2.

After playing a key role in the winning European team that annihilated the US in the 2006 Ryder Cup, Stenson said it was important to maintain his strong play with a lot at stake this year.

"I loved playing in the Ryder Cup at the K club and I will do my very best to qualify for this year's matches. Hopefully in doing so I can challenge for the No 1 spot in Europe.

"I have also not been top 10 in a Major yet, and when I make that I may as well go for the win.

"I am planning to play a few tournaments less this year and hopefully that will give me time to practice more and play better at all the big events."

China Daily

                                                                          (China Daily 03/27/2008 page22)