• Defending Dubai Desert Classic champion lays down pre-tournament marker in front of seven title rivals
• Englishman's efforts seal AED 15,000 donation to Al Jalila Foundation

Reigning Dubai Desert Classic champion Paul Casey warmed up for his title defence in style on Monday with a thrilling victory in the JA Lake View Hotel's Charity Rooftop Challenge at JA The Resort Dubai, an eye-catching warm-up event ahead of this week's Rolex Series event at Emirates Golf Club.

After edging out Sweden's Henrik Stenson in the final of the fun, star-studded matchplay competition, Casey also delighted the watching crown by raising 15,000 AED for the Al Jalila Foundation.

With eight of this week's Dubai Desert Classic field playing from a purpose-built tee box at the hotel's rooftop BIBÉ venue, the players scored points for landing chips closest to a pin some 97 yards away and six storeys down.

In a field containing three Major winners, Casey looked in great touch throughout the knockout format, recording the highest score of each round to rack up convincing victories over Scotland's Grant Forest and Spaniard Rafa Cabrera Bello on his way to the final, where he saw off 2016 Open champion Stenson.

On the other side of the draw, Stenson beat US amateur Sam Bennet and defending Rooftop Challenge champion Adri Arnaus en route to the final, with former Masters champions Danny Willett and Charl Schwartzel both crashing out in the first round to Arnaus and Cabrera Bello.

Stuart Mc Murdo, Director of Golf at JA Resorts & Hotels commented, 'A huge congratulations to Paul on winning the JA Lake View Charity Rooftop Challenge and thanks to all the pro's for participating. We hope to welcome them back to JA The Resort Dubai soon and wish them the best of luck in the upcoming Dubai Desert Classic!'

After his final victory, Casey had one final challenge - a head-to-head one-shot shootout against JA Resorts and Hotels teaching professional Amy Boulden. Casey planted his chip two-feet from the pin to secure the charity donation for Al Jalila Foundation.