Olympics Rio 2016: Henrik Stenson, Justin Rose in two-way race for gold medal

Britain's Justin Rose and Swede Henrik Stenson are battling it out for golf's first Olympic gold medal in the modern era with Rose fighting to protect a one-stroke lead in the final round.

Stenson briefly joined him at the top of the leaderboard after starting his round with two birdies but Rose moved ahead onto 15 under par.

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15/08/2016 at 11:06

The former Ryder Cup team mates are playing in the final group.

Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson fighting for gold

Image credit: Reuters

Several players are in contention for the bronze medal, looking to unseat Belgium's Thomas Pieters who occupies that position.

Spain's Sergio Garcia and Rafael Cabrera Bello, Americans Matt Kuchar and Bubba Watson, Ireland's Seamus Power and Australian Marcus Fraser were are all tied for fourth at seven under.

Stenson has been on roll since he won the British Open, his first major, in July with a record score. Rose has also won one major, the U.S. Open in 2013.

Sweden's Henrik Stenson celebrates with the Claret Jug after winning the British Open golf championship

Image credit: Reuters

The Olympic format cannot end in a tie and calls for a playoff in the event of players finishing in any of the medal positions.

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Rose clinches gold for Britain in dramatic final-hole shootout with Stenson

14/08/2016 at 20:28

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Britain's Rose edges into lead ahead of gold medal round

13/08/2016 at 23:56

Rio 2016

Australia's Fraser holds one-stroke lead

12/08/2016 at 20:36