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Stenson dedicates Open win to late friend

Troon - After beating Phil Mickelson in a dramatic final day at Royal Troon on Sunday, Henrik Stenson dedicated his Open Championship triumph to a friend who died last week.

During his victory speech, the Swede held up the Claret Jug and said "this one's for you" in reference to Mike Gerbich, an American friend of Stenson's who died of cancer last week at the age of 74.

"He was one of the real good guys back in Dubai," said Stenson, who lived in the Emirate before moving to the United States in 2012.

"I've known him for many, many years, and he was a very keen golfer and a great man.

"He's been battling cancer for a long time, but I had news on Tuesday that the end was near, and unfortunately he passed away on Wednesday morning over in the US.

"So he's always been there as a big supporter of mine, and in good days and bad days he's always sent me messages and been out at some events.

"This one is dedicated to him, for sure. I felt like he was there with me this week."

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