The 25th edition of the Dubai Desert Classic got off to a great start with former champions Rafa Cabrera-Bello and Henrik Stenson sharing the spoils at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic Champions Challenge after six under par rounds of 66 at Emirates GC.
The pair finished two clear of the chasing pack.
The 21 former winners -- with Seve Ballesteros represented by his son, Javier -- of Dubai Desert Classic were reunited for the special event to celebrate the tournament's 25th anniversary, with 2013 Race to Dubai champion Stenson setting the clubhouse target in company of 2001 champion Thomas Bjorn, and the first man to get his hands on the trophy back in 1989, Mark James.
Six birdies without a bogey was the ideal start to Stenson's week, at a tournament that holds a special place in the 2006 Champion's heart.
"I made Dubai my home for close to ten years," said the Swede.
"It's a great place for me, this, and it's always good fun to be back, and celebrating the 25th anniversary this year is also very special.
"There's not many tournaments going on for that many years and we had a great roll of champions here so it's been a good event," he said.
In the following group, the 2012 winner, Cabrera-Bello, also showed his pedigree around the Majilis Course to shoot a six under par score of his own, thanks to seven birdies and just the one dropped shot.
