DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) Henrik Stenson strengthened his chances of winning the European money title with a 4-under 68 Thursday to sit two shots behind leader Alejandro Canizares after the first round of the season-ending World Tour Championship.
Having already won the U.S. PGA Tour's FedEx Cup, Stenson also leads the Race to Dubai standings and was two shots ahead of nearest rival and playing partner Justin Rose, who shot a 70.
England's Ian Poulter, third on the money list, shot a 69 while fourth-place Graeme McDowell of Northern Ireland birdied three straight holes from the 14th for a 72.
Canizares also birdied three straight from the 14th to sit one shot ahead of Thailand's Kiradech Aphibarnrat and Australia's Marcus Fraser.
Stenson said he felt no ill effects of a right wrist injury that restricted his pre-tournament practice to just nine holes this week on the Earth Course at Jumeriah Estates. However, his round could have been even better if he hadn't three-putted for his only bogey on the par-5 18th.