Former Dubai Desert Classic winners Henrik Stenson and Rafael Cabrera-Bello underlined their form going into this week's 25th anniversary of the Gulf classic by jointly winning the Former Champions Challenge on Tuesday.

A pair of six-under 66s were enough to give the Swede and the Spaniard a share of the $500,000 prize fund in an 18-hole stroke play event that brought together 20 past winners — the late Seve Ballesteros being the exception.

World number one Tiger Woods, who missed the cut at Torrey Pines on Saturday after firing a third round 79, started well at the Emirates Golf Club, where he has won twice, with three birdies in succession.

He then briefly moved into the lead on four under par after seven holes, but failed to maintain the momentum and sent his ball into the water at the last hole to settle for a round of 71.

Rory McIlroy, who will play with Woods in the first two rounds had a 68. Spanish amateur Javier Ballesteros, who represented his late father, shot a two over par 74. 

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