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Karlsson becomes first Swede to win Order of Merit title

Robert Karlsson of Sweden gestures to the crowd after winning the Order of Merit title during the fourth round of the Volvo Masters golf tournament in Sotogrande, Spain, on Sunday. PHOTO: AP

Robert Karlsson became the first Swede to win the Order of Merit title after closest challenger Lee Westwood failed to catch Soren Kjeldsen in the Volvo Masters.

Westwood needed victory at Valderrama on Sunday to have any chance of claiming his second European money title, but shot a 1 over 72 to finish four shots behind winner Kjeldsen.

Karlsson lifted the Harry Vardon trophy despite finishing 32nd at Valderrama.

Kjeldsen became the third wire-to-wire champion after an even par 71 gave him an 8-under 276 total for a two shot victory over England’s Anthony Wall (69) and Martin Kaymer (68) of Germany.

Westwood finished joint third with Spain’s Sergio Garcia (72).

“It was a very special atmosphere and obviously nerve wracking for me but a very special day,” said Kjeldsen, whose US$899,000 winning check was nearly as much as he won in his first four years on tour.

A poor start by both Padraig Harrington and Miguel Angel Jimenez left Westwood as the only serious threat coming into the final round.
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