DONGGUAN, Guangdong province: World No 6 Robert Karlsson and Henrik Stenson shot a nine-under 63 in the final round foursomes yesterday for a three-stroke victory at the World Cup to earn Sweden its second title and the two stars $1.7 million in spoils.
Going into the final day of action four shots off the pace, the pair charged up the leaderboard in the alternate shot format to tie Spain's Miguel Angel Jimenez and Pablo Larrazabal at the turn.
Robert Karlsson (right) and Henrik Stenson of Sweden pose with their trophy after claiming the World Cup of Golf in Dongguan, China yesterday. ReutersThey saved their best for last, however, and four more birdies helped them to a winning total of 27-under 261 for Sweden's first taste of the trophy since Per-Ulrik Johansson and Anders Forsbrand won the event in 1991.
"We played fantastic today, obviously, to go out and shoot that score," said Stenson. "We felt like we could have a chance if we got going, and we did. I haven't had a win so far this year, and I've got one now, so I'm very pleased with that. And Robert can stack it up with all of the other ones he has already."
The Spaniards shot 70 to finish second while joint overnight leaders Australia, represented by Brendan Jones and Richard Green, finished third with Japan after shooting a 76.
Japan's Ryuji Imada and Toru Taniguchi proved Asia's best finishers after managing a 68 at the conclusion of the $5.5 million Omega Mission Hills World Cup in Shenzhen.
Karlsson, who tops the European Tour this year with two victories, said he knew a low round in the more challenging foursomes was on the cards after Spain produced a 63 on Friday.
"We thought it might be our turn today. We knew we needed to play better than yesterday. It was important for us to pick up a few shots early which we did," said the world No 12, who was making his third World Cup appearance but his first with Stenson.
Stenson, who finished second in 2005 and third in 2006, was happy to end Sweden's 17-year drought at the vent. "It was about time we changed that and got our name up there again," he said.
The Spanish, who were untouchable on Friday, could not replicate their leading performance down the final stretch. Jimenez and Larrazabal then ended on a low note by bogeying the last hole.
"We didn't hole the putts today, and I missed the fairway on the par fives (where) we needed to make birdies," said Jimenez.
"We didn't play like the first and second rounds, but still it was a good performance and a great tournament for us."
The Australians keep par at the turn but a dropped shot on the 12th left them with an uphill task. Things got progressively worse as they bogeyed the final three for third place.
"Just didn't happen for us today," said Green. "We went out there with all the right intentions (but) it was just a bit of a struggle most of the day."
Imada, who has one title from this year's USPGA Tour, holed out from the bunker for an eagle on the 15th as Japan surged.
"(Taniguchi) made a birdie putt on 14, and I got a little bit lucky and holed out a bunker shot on 15. We made a good save on 17 and a solid par on 18. It was a great finish," said Imada.
China's Zhang Lianwei and Liang Wenchong shot a 72 to end on 280 and a share of 17th place with India. The Chinese pair was 11th last year.
Source: China Daily
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