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Henrik Stenson will renew his rivalry with Ernie Els and Tiger Woods at the end of the month, when he defends the Dubai Desert Classic title he won at the Emirates Golf Club last year.

The Dubai-based Swede closed with a 68 for a 19 under par total of 269 to beat Els, his playing partner for four days, by one stroke, with Woods finishing a further shot back.

The 31 year old, who married fiancee Emma in Dubai in December 2006, hit 51 greens in regulation out of 54 in the first three days, and then 15 on the final day on his way to taking the title.

A member of the successful 2006 European Ryder Cup Team, Stenson later added the WGC-Accenture Match Play title in a productive 2007 which saw him finish fourth on The European Order of Merit – his highest ever placing.

“We play golf to win tournaments and obviously that will be my main focus in 2008,” said Stenson. “It would be great to win in Dubai again. Playing well in front of my family, friends and supporters always give you that extra bit of satisfaction.

“The tournament has once again attracted a strong field, and I will have to be at my best to repeat my success. Dubai is a great place to be based. I like the weather, I like the facilities, and I like the Majlis course because it has a very good variation. You don’t get tired of playing there. You can play over and over again, and still it’s fun.

“It’s a great honour to represent golf in DUBAI, and be part of a team which consists of players of the stature of Ernie Els, Mark O'Meara, Colin Montgomerie, Thomas Bjorn, Lee Westwood, Jeev Milkha Singh and Ross Bain as their global ambassadors.”

Mohamed Juma Buamaim, vice-chairman and CEO of golf in DUBAI, praised Stenson’s contribution to the game.

He said: “Henrik is totally focused on golf. Nothing can distract him when he is on the job. I believe it is his hard work and total dedication that has turned out to be the formula for his success.

“It’s good to hear Henrik say he considers the Dubai Desert Classic his second ‘home’ tournament, and his presence will once again spice up the contest. We look forward to seeing some quality golf during the tournament.”

‘Golf in DUBAI’ is backed by Dubal (Dubai Aluminium) as the main partner and Emirates NBD, Emaar, Jumeirah Hotels, Emirates airline, BMW, Jumeirah Golf Estates, Gulf News, Omega and CNN as partners in its drive to showcase the Emirate’s vibrant golfing scene to a worldwide audience.