Karlsson clinches St Andrews playoff victory

ST ANDREWS (Reuters) - Sweden's Robert Karlsson won the Dunhill Links Championship after a three-way sudden death playoff at St Andrews on Sunday.

Karlsson finished tied with Germany's Martin Kaymer and Briton Ross Fisher after 72 holes but a birdie at the first extra hole earned him the victory.

"I was pretty confident playing the first again because I'd birdied it twice before so I had a good feeling for it," Karlsson told reporters.

Fisher had set the four-round total of 278 with a seven-under 65, soon matched by Karlsson, while Kaymer, seeking a third win of the year, carded a 68, leaving the trio two shots better than another Swede, Jarmo Sandelin (70).

Kaymer had had two golden chances to seal victory in normal time but missed a five-foot putt when bogeying 17 and an eight-footer for birdie on the last, but Karlsson took control in the shootout.

The tall Swede's accurate three-wood off the tee and wedge to around three feet guided him to the $800,000 first prize.

His win, added to victory in the Mercedes Benz Championship the week before the Ryder Cup, lifted him above Ireland's Padraig Harrington in the European Order of Merit.

Fisher knocked himself out of the running by driving into the Swilcan Burn in the playoff and Kaymer missed a 12-foot putt for birdie.

As the pro-am event, played at the St Andrews, Carnoustie and Kingsbarns courses on the previous three days, came to its finale, Karlsson began the day three shots adrift of the lead and one behind Harrington.

The Irishman flagged after staying with the leaders for a time to finish five shots away from the playoff with a 71.

Harrington is due to contest the season-ending Volvo Masters while Karlsson has two events left in his campaign, and leads the Irishman by 142,424 euros ($197,300).

"I still rate Padraig's year higher than mine because he's won two majors," Karlsson said. "But I've got him for now.

"I have one more tournament than Padraig so if I do my job well maybe I can build a little cushion."

Harrington admitted his lack of practice and low energy levels after such a pressurized season found him out in the end.

"I made a few birdies but it all fell apart after I missed a good chance on 11. It's hard to get away with it on a Sunday when you're not prepared," Harrington told reporters.

"I know myself I'm just not on top of my game. It could be in Robert's hands now but no matter what, he will be under pressure."

(Editing by Miles Evans)