Karlsson takes easy Dubai win

DOHA – Sweden’s Robert Karlsson won the $2.5 million Qatar Masters with a three shot win over Spaniard Alvaro Quiros at the Doha Golf Club on Sunday.

Karlsson shot a brilliant bogey-free seven-under-par 65 in the final round for an aggregate of 15-under-par 273, while last year’s winner Quiros shot a 67 for a total of 12-under-par 276.

England’s Lee Westwood and Australian Brett Rumford were a shot behind in joint third with 11-under-par 277. England’s Oliver Wilson (71) finished with three birdies in a row to share fifth at eight-under-par 280 along with overnight leaders Bradley Dredge of Wales and Paul Casey of England.

Karlsson, who was two shots off the pace set by Dredge after the third round on Saturday, virtually steamrollered the field on the final day as his rivals failed to exploit perfect golfing conditions at Doha’s only championship course.

The 40-year-old, who became the first Swedish player to capture the Harry Vardon Trophy as Europe’s number one in 2008, suffered a frustrating 2009 when he missed several months of action due to blurred vision in his left eye caused by fluid build-up in his retina.   (AP)