Stenson cruises to nine-shot Nedbank win

(AP)

Sweden's Henrik Stenson cruised to victory in the Nedbank Challenge at the Gary Player Country Club here yesterday. He carded a closing 68 for a 21-under-par total of 267 and nine-shot victory over Ryder Cup rival Kenny Perry, whose 65 was the best round of the day.

Robert Karlsson finished a distant third on nine under par. South African Rory Sabbatini was a shot further back in fourth, a stroke ahead of Ryder Cup team-mates Sergio Garcia and Lee Westwood who returned rounds of 70 and 72 respectively.

Former European No 1 Justin Rose was ninth after a final 72, while Luke Donald's comeback from a serious wrist injury saw him finish 11th in the 12-man field on four over par.

Stenson dominated the tournament after opening with a course-record 63 and went into the final round with a commanding eight-shot lead. "I'm really happy with this victory, it's a fantastic way to finish the season," he said. "I have really enjoyed the week. The greens were in immaculate condition and the course looked as good as I have ever seen it."

The 32-year-old finished second on his debut in the event in 2006 and added: "I wanted to go one better. I had such a big lead and that took away a little from the excitement, but nothing takes away from winning."

* Geoff Ogilvy shot a 3-under-par 69 to win the Australian PGA championship at Coolum, Queensland by two strokes. Ogilvy finished at 14-under after four rounds. Third-round leader Mathew Goggin, who faded with three bogeys in seven holes, finished second after a final round 72.