Lawrie wins Qatar Masters from Day

Lawrie produced a bogey-free third round in the truncated tournament as the chasing pack made crucial errors to win his seventh European Tour title with an aggregate of 15-under 201 for 54 holes.

His first win in Qatar came in 1999, the same year he claimed the British Open at Carnoustie.

Holding a one-shot lead after the second round on Saturday, Lawrie struck a brilliant eagle on the 639-yard par-five ninth hole, giving him a two-shot cushion over Day, who began with four consecutive birdies but dropped two shots by the time he finished his first nine holes.

Lawrie calmly went along picking shots and by the time he birdied the 16th and 17th holes he had the Mother of Pearl trophy firmly in his grip.

The 43-year-old Scot then parred the 18th to complete the formalities.

“I don’t think I can play much better than that,” Lawrie said.

“I’ve been playing well for a long, long time, but it’s just nice to come out one ahead and shoot seven under.”

Day was on fire on the back nine too, picking up four straight birdies from the 10th to 13, but could only par the next four to lose steam.

The Queenslander was with an eagle chance on the 18th but missed by a whisker, the birdie giving him a round of 65 for an aggregate of 11 under.

Hanson (67) needed an eagle on the final hole to overtake Day, but finished with a birdie for a second-place tie with the Australian.

American John Daly (67) finished two shots down for fourth.

The victory ensures Lawrie a place in the 64-man World Golf Match Play in Arizona later in February and the 24-man World Match Play in Spain in May.

He is also on course to win a second Ryder Cup cap 13 years after his first, and if manages stay in the top 50 for another seven weeks he will make a return to The Masters in April after an eight-year gap.

Lawrie was reminded that his 1999 victory in Qatar was followed five months later by lifting The Claret Jug at Carnoustie: “Now wouldn’t that be nice to get that again?” he said

Publisher: AAPNewswire

06 Feb 8:44 AM