DUBAI - HENRIK Stenson, Europe's Ryder Cup hero, beat Ernie Els and Tiger Woods to the Dubai Desert Classic title yesterday.
The Swede, who holed the winning putt against the United States last September, was steadiest among the leaders on a difficult day.
He overcame a 30km/h warm desert wind and sank a testing uphill 10-footer for birdie at the last for a one-shot win over Els.
He had five birdies in his four-under 68 (269 total) to overturn Els' two-shot overnight lead.
The South African (71), a three-time winner here, struggled to recover from a three-bogey outward half of 37.
Defending champion Woods (69) was a further stroke back. Back-to-back bogeys after the turn made his chase almost impossible.
The world No1 managed three straight birdies from the 12th, but it was too late.
Sweden's Niclas Fasth closed with a 68 to join the American in third.
The revelation of the week, 26-year-old Englishman Ross Fisher (71), was alone in fifth on 272.
Stenson reached the par-five 18th with a one-stroke lead over Els.
He laid up in two, while an attack-minded Els hit over the water to the back edge of the green.
The Dubai-based world No14 hit a wonderful approach over the water to 10feet and rolled in the winning putt confidently.
'I fought hard all week and, to beat Ernie by one, it feels awesome,' said the 30-year-old.
'Living down here in Dubai, and having my friends and family with me this week, is something special.'
The Asian challenge fell away on the final day. India's Jyoti Randhawa, who was joint-second overnight, struggled to a 74. He was on 275 with the promising Thai Prom Meesawat (71).
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
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