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Comeback King Karlsson wins Commercialbank Qatar Masters

Commercialbank Qatar Masters

Comeback King Karlsson wins Commercialbank Qatar Masters

Doha (QATAR): Thanks to a flawless final round 65 (-7), former European No.1 Robert Karlsson proved he is back to his best comfortably winning the Commercialbank Qatar Masters, Presented by Dolphin Energy, by three shots from defending champion Alvaro Quiros.

It was a fairytale return for Karlsson who spent five months on the sidelines last year after suffering from blurred vision caused by fluid behind the retina of his left eye. Seven birdies in what was the best round of the week at Doha Golf Club brought him his tenth European Tour title, the famous Mother of Pearl trophy and a cheque for $416,660.

“I would have been very, very happy coming out of this tournament with a top 20, which is was what I looked at early in the week,” said Karlsson, after receiving the trophy from Qatar Golf Association President Hassan Al Nuami and Commercialbank Group CEO Andy Stevens. “The first three rounds, I made a few stupid mistakes, gave away a few easy shots.

“But I felt like things were coming, so I was very happy with where I was standing today. It's a top class field, so I knew I had to do something special. But if you go out and shoot 65 in the last day of a tournament from being a couple behind, you usually have a good chance. Obviously today was my day.”

Karlsson, who went in to the final day two shots off overnight leaders Bradley Dredge and Paul Casey, enjoyed a day-long battle with playing partner Lee Westwood, ironically the man who succeeded the Swede as European No.1.

But with the best round of the week, Karlsson romped to a final total of fifteen under par despite a swashbuckling performance by Quiros. The Spaniard proved his love for Doha Golf Club with a final day 67 (-5) including some spectacular shots that saw him claim second in what has been the best title defence ever seen in the thirteen-year history of the tournament.

“Really, I was very lucky – I holed a 30m putt on the ninth and chipped in twice so I am very pleased even though I was just a few centimetres away from an eagle on the last,” said Quiros. “But it’s a good defence. I was looking for a top five finish so I have to be happy.”

Dredge and Casey both slumped to final rounds of 74 (+2) to finish in joint fifth on eight under par with England’s Oliver Wilson, who shot a closing 71 (-1) despite being involved in a car crash on the way to the course.

The biggest threat to Karlsson’s comeback appeared to be in the hands of world number four Westwood. Unfortunately, problems with the driver meant a closing round 0f 70 (-2) and a share of third place with Australia’s Brett Rumford on eleven under par.

“I struggled with the driver, once I smashed the face in yesterday and I think I hit two fairways after that with the driver, which is not like me at all,” said Westwood. “So every credit to Robert – I hit some good shots coming in and got within one of him. But then he hit a good shot into fourteen and finished with a couple of birdies for the grand slam finish so he’s a deserved winner.”

While Karlsson’s return to form will be a major boost for the 6ft 5” Swede in his journey back to the world’s top ten, his performance in Doha will have brought a huge smile to the face of Europe’s Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie who will be determined to have a fit and fired up Karlsson in his team to face the US in October.

“When I look back on what Lee did last year, I just remind myself, I actually did the same thing the year before,” said Karlsson “It's good to remind yourself that you're one of the guys that have done that as well. It's always good to have that in the back pocket. You're very happy every tournament you win or every time you're up on the leaderboard, that's what you strive for and try to get more used to the situation. That's why I play golf.”

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