Robert Karlsson extended his advantage over Padraig Harrington at the top of the European Tour to almost €300,000 despite a disappointing finish at the Portugal Masters in Vilamoura. Karlsson had to settle for a share of third place after failing to catch Spain's Alvaro Quiros.
The 25-year-old from Cadiz pocketed the €500,000 winner's cheque — the largest of his career — after a final-round 68 for a 19-under-par total.
European money list leader Karlsson, who had begun the final round only a shot behind the Spaniard, now leads Harrington by €297,158. The battle for the Vardon trophy now moves to the final counting tournament, the Volvo Masters (€704,000 for the winner) at Valderrama, at which Karlsson and Harrington will both be present.
Karlsson conceded the runners-up spot to Scotland's Paul Lawrie after the 1999 Open Champion shot a 67 to finish three strokes behind the winner.
Rory McIlroy secured a second consecutive top 10 finish with a final round of 69 that moved him to 12-under. Darren Clarke and Peter Lawrie both finished on seven-under with Graeme McDowell a further three shots back.
