Henrik Stenson two off lead after first day at DP World Tour Championship

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Henrik Stenson strengthened his chances of winning the European Tour money title Thursday, shooting a 68 that left him two shots behind leader Alejandro Canizares and two ahead of nearest rival Justin Rose.

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Bernie McGuire

Associated Press

Series: European Tour

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – Henrik Stenson strengthened his chances of winning the European Tour money title, shooting a 4-under 68 Thursday that left him two shots behind leader Alejandro Canizares after the first round of the season-ending DP World Tour Championship. 

Having already won the PGA Tour's FedExCup, Stenson also leads the Race to Dubai standings and was two shots ahead of nearest rival and playing partner Justin Rose, who had a 70. 

Ian Poulter of England, third on the money list, shot a 69. Fourth-place Graeme McDowell of Northern Ireland birdied three straight holes, starting from the 14th, for a 72. 

Canizares also birdied three straight from the 14th and was one shot ahead of Thailand's Kiradech Aphibarnrat and Australia's Marcus Fraser. 

HENRIK STENSON: European money title more precious than FedExCup to him

Stenson said he felt no ill effects from an injured right wrist that restricted his practice to nine holes this week on the Earth Course at Jumeriah Estates. His round could have been even better had it not been for the last hole. He said he was "a bit tired" coming to the par-5 18th, which he three-putted for his only bogey. 

"So while that was frustrating, it was a good first round," he said. "I am playing good and there is no real need to worry about the game out there, and it's one day down and three to go. 

"My wrist felt good today and it hasn't been bothering me that much. It's after the round that it stiffens up a bit and starts to swell up and look inflamed, but it feels all right at the moment." 

Rose trails Stenson by $287,033, with the winner in Dubai earning $1.3 million. The Englishman mixed three birdies with a bogey on the 17th, and saved par at the 18th with a 20-foot putt. 

"I feel as though I got a good score out of today by holing that putt on the last because finishing bogey-bogey would have left an awful taste in the mouth," Rose said. "So, all in all, I am satisfied as it is a start I can build on. But then in saying that, Henrik got off to another strong start and he seems to do that in all his tournaments recently." 

Terrell Suggs Could Get Extension Or Walk Away

Posted Jan 8, 2014

Ryan MinkBaltimoreRavens.com Staff Writer@Ravens All Ryan Mink Articles



General Manager Ozzie Newsome said he’s not restructuring contracts this offseason.



The Ravens are active in discussions about what do with outside linebacker Terrell Suggs’ big contract.

On Tuesday, General Manager Ozzie Newsome indicated that Suggs may not be back in Baltimore at his current salary cap number.

Suggs could get a contract extension or walk away.

“Terrell is a real good football player. He not only shows up in the pass game, but he shows up in the run game,” Newsome said.

“But with that being said, we let a good football player go last year. So I’m not afraid when it comes to letting guys walk out the door. What we’ll do is we’ll look at every aspect of it and see what’s best for the 2014 and ’15 and ’16 Ravens and make that decision.”

The Ravens tried to work out a contract extension that included a reduced salary and salary cap hit with wide receiver Anquan Boldin last offseason. He declined and was traded to San Francisco. Baltimore also watched longtime defensive icon Ed Reed leave for Houston via free agency.

Newsome isn’t afraid to make hard decisions, even when it comes to a six-time Pro Bowler like Suggs.

Suggs is getting up there in age (31), and after getting off to a torrid start with nine sacks in eight games last season, he finished with two sacks in the second half.

But in the final year of his contract, Suggs is reportedly slated to eat $12.4 million of next year’s salary cap – a prohibitive figure. If the Ravens cut Suggs, they would reportedly save $7.8 million.

Newsome said the Ravens will not restructure contracts. But there’s another solution.

“There’s a difference between restructuring and offering guys extensions,” he said.

“We have guys that are heading into the last year of their contract. We have a history of being able to get good deals done with guys heading into that last year. I don’t think we’ll embark on doing any more restructuring, but we will probably look at doing some extensions.”

If the Ravens and Suggs reached an extension, he could finish his career in Baltimore and the Ravens would have more spending flexibility.

Newsome said he, Owner Steve Bisciotti, President Dick Cass, Head Coach John Harbaugh, Senior Vice President Of Football Administration Pat Moriarty and Assistant General Manager Eric DeCosta will talk at length about Suggs when they convene at Bisciotti’s Florida residence next week.

Defensive tackle Haloti Ngata wasn’t mentioned by name, but could also be in the mix for an extension. He’s got two years left on his contract and is scheduled to make $16 million next year. Cutting Ngata would only reportedly be a cap savings of $1 million.