Stenson looking to be first Qatar repeat champion

Sweden's Henrik Stenson hopes to mark the 10th anniversary of the Commercialbank Qatar Masters by becoming the event's first repeat champion this week.

The world's number 14 takes on a star-studded field at the Doha Golf Club from Thursday, knowing that in the history of the event, there has never been a successful title defence.

"It hasn't been defended yet. So, you know, it would be a good thing to do," said Stenson today. "Obviously it will be tough. We have a very strong field at the tournament this year, a lot of really good players. And to be able to defend takes some really good golfing on my behalf, and I can just go out there and try and do it," he added.

Hailed as "the next special one" by last year's runner-up Paul Broadhurst, Stenson has grown in stature and could well be the one to write a slice of history at the Qatar Masters, jointly sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour.

"That's one of the nicest things when you get your colleagues to say nice things about your game and as a person. I don't know if he said it as a person, but about the game at least," said Stenson.

"The course suits me pretty good It's great to be back and playing a really good course here that I enjoy playing. I've had some really good success the last two years being second and first, and so anything close to that would be a great week obviously."

South African stars Ernie Els and Retief Goosen, ranked fifth and ninth in the world respectively, will headline the field which includes six of Stenson's teammates from Europe's victorious Ryder Cup team. Asia's challenge will be carried by UBS Order of Merit winner Jeev Milkha Singh of India.

Stenson has brought some good form with him to Doha following his eighth place finish in Abu Dhabi last week. "I'm pleased with that. I didn't start this year as rested and prepared as I would have liked. It was not a very long break for me and I might not be fully charged but I'm going to squeeze out whatever we've got in the tank for these two weeks that I've got left now."

The Dubai-based Swede rates highly the Peter Harradine-designed course, not just because of his success here. "It a pretty long golf course, especially when the wind is blowing and you've just got to be patient, sort of grind it out, try and hit fairways, greens. Pars are never bad in tough conditions. And obviously you have to try and take your chances when you get them on the easier holes," he said.

January 24, 2007

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