Stenson stays on the hunt for elusive Qatar double

Doha : After being edged out by Alvaro Quiros just 12 months ago, former champion Henrik Stenson will again be on the hunt for a Doha double at the Commercialbank Qatar Masters, presented by Dolphin Energy.

The world number seven and 2006 champion has joined a powerful line-up for the $2.5 million (Dh9.17 million) tournament and will be one of the red hot favourites from January 28-31 thanks to a recent track record in Qatar.

Since missing the cut in 2004, the super Swede has proved he has the game to tame the 7,388-yard desert course with a victory, three runner-up spots and a seventh place finish in his last five appearances.

Speaking before making a tenth consecutive appearance in the Qatari capital, Stenson said: "I know the course inside-out, which is always going to help. It's a course I really enjoy playing. I think the three courses we play in this part of the world are great and after nine years I should have a fair idea of how to play the golf course.

"Last year was as good as we've seen it condition-wise. The greens were really good and the rough fairly thick. It's a fair setup but I think scoring is normally a little bit higher than in Abu Dhabi."

Despite pushing Quiros all the way in 2009, Stenson missed out on a play-off and had to settle for a share of second place with South Africa's Louis Oosthuizen three shots behind the Spaniard.