Sport | Golf
Stenson: Padraig can beat Woods
Defending Dubai Desert Classic champion Henrik Stenson believes that if anyone has the potential to challenge Tiger Woods over the next few years, it is Padraig Harrington.
- By Leslie Wilson Jr, Sports Editor
- Published: 23:39 January 29, 2008
- Henrik Stenson (left) and Colin Montgomerie with the trophy after winning the charity Challenge Match on Tuesday.
- Image Credit: Karl Jeffs/Gulf News
Dubai: Defending Dubai Desert Classic champion Henrik Stenson believes that if anyone has the potential to challenge Tiger Woods over the next few years, it is Padraig Harrington.
The Dubai-based Swede's assessment is based on the fact the Irishman is prepared to work very hard.
"If you want names, I think I'll start with what you want to hear - Padraig," said Stenson.
"Padraig is such a hard worker and he's just taking one step after another. He's going to be around and challenging for the big events. I'm positive."
He also singled out promising Northern Ireland teen-ager Rory McIllroy and Switzerland's Alex Noren.
'Great potential'
"Rory has shown that he's got some great potential and great talent," said the Swede. "Hopefully you guys [the media] give him a lot of slack and he can work on his game and he can continue, he should be fine. Alex is a good player. He can turn into something really good, as well. Martin Kaymer as well I guess."
McIlroy, who finished joint 11th in Abu Dhabi, is the latest sensation on the golf circuit
Germany's Kaymer, 23, led over four days to win the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship by four strokes at 15-under 273. It was his first European Tour title.
"There's some good, young players coming up and hopefully we can expect some good things from those who are around as well," continued Stenson. "But it's going to be tough against Tiger.
"He is the best player in the world. He's an all-round player and there are other things - his putting and short game. And he gets out of trouble with the wedges and stuff like that. That's what's impressed me over the times I played with him.
"I guess the only weakness at times is his driving, but overall he's the No 1 player by far."
Results: Challenge Match (Par 3 Course):
- 1st (7-under): Henrik Stenson and Colin Montgomerie
- 2nd (6-under): Rory McIlroy and Lee Westwood
- 3rd (5-under): Tiger Woods and Darren Clarke 5-under
- 4th (5-under): Ernie Els and Thomas Bjorn 5-under
- 5th (1-under): David Howell and Jeev Milkha Singh 1-under
- 6th (Level Par): Mark O'Meara and Ross Bain.
Share this article
Related Articles
-
Swedish joker the ace in the pack
Swedish joker the ace in the pack
-
Charity Challenge Golf Match
Top golf pros have some fun and raise money for UAE charities
Popular in Sport
-
Football
Goal rush expected at Beach Soccer World Cup
A total of 970 scored in four editions
Sport Editor's choice
-
No Dubai bout for Pacquiao
Revenue source for blockbuster fights is prime time US pay-per-view TV
-
Core combat: Work out with a punch
Xpress reports on an innovative work-out session that's become a huge hit in Dubai
-
Indoor golf in the UAE
Virtual golf: Beat the heat and play your regular round at home
