Dubai: Second-placed Alex Noren said he never expected to catch Rory McIlroy in Sunday’s final round of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic, but was just happy to post a top-two finish so quickly after returning from injury.
The Swede only played two events in 2014 after suffering from tendonitis in both wrists and kept his 2015 card on account of a medical extension. Since then, he has finished tied for 37 in Abu Dhabi, ninth in Qatar and now second in Dubai, three strokes off McIlroy on 19-under par 269 (68,67,69,65).
“I never even thought of winning,” said Noren, who carded four birdies on either nine with a bogey on the ninth hole to jump from tied for eighth on Saturday to second. “Rory was playing so good. Even though today was a slower start from him, I was just trying to get a nice finish in.”
Asked if he was surprised with his quick return to form despite a long injury lay-off which required surgery, Noren replied: “I thought it might take longer [to get results] I was pretty unsure even two months ago if I would be able to play again this early.
“It’s tough if you don’t know if the hand is holding up, but it turned out better than I thought.
“I didn’t really play that well just before Christmas when I was allowed to play again. So, I’m very surprised and happily surprised. It feels, touch wood, almost better than ever. To pull off the shots I did, I haven’t been able to do that [for a while], so I’m really happy with that.”
Of his wrists, he added: “They were painful on Thursday and Friday, but it’s getting there. It’s very stiff, so I’ve got to keep working on it, which is a little painful. But I’m playing [again], which I’m happy about.”
Another player happy with his return to form was Martin Kaymer. The German blew a record equalling 10-shot lead in Abu Dhabi two weeks ago but in his first tournament back since the meltdown he was able to post an admirable 15 under par 273 (67,69,73,64) finish, seven strokes off the lead in tied for fourth.
“For me, what happened in Abu Dhabi was a big learning lesson and therefore I could move forward when I teed off here,” said Kaymer, who spoke of renewed confidence.
“This is a respectable finish, especially after shooting one-over par on Saturday. It’s never satisfying to go over par but to finish in the top ten makes it a good week.
“Obviously, now I leave the Middle East with a positive feeling, like in the past,” added the record three-time Abu Dhabi champion. “There are big tournaments coming up, so to finish up this tournament with an eight under par round – hopefully I can carry it forward.”
