• Qatar Masters, Day Four

Solid Bjorn secures maiden Qatar Masters success

Thomas Bjorn drove well on the final day © Getty Images

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Thomas Bjorn recorded only his second European tour victory in over four years by clinching the Qatar Masters by four strokes on Sunday.

The Dane extends his career tally to 11 triumphs on the European Tour, and he appears to be emerging from a lean spell after adding Doha success to June's victory at the Estoril Open de Portugal, prior to which he had not lifted any individual silverware since 2006.

Bjorn began the final day one shot ahead of the chasing pack, and he put his challengers under immediate pressure with a string of pars on the front nine, on his way to a three-under-par 69. The 39-year-old's overall score of 14-under was well clear of nearest challenger Alvaro Quiros, who finished on 10-under.

While early rival Markus Brier contrived to register three early bogeys, Bjorn stayed flawless through the opening 14 holes, by which time he had a comfortable advantage. Birdies at 15 and 16 widened the gap, and Bjorn completed an excellent afternoon with another at the last.

Brier eventually had to settle for a share of third place alongside Spaniard Rafael Cabrera Bello, with Quiros claiming sole possession of second after he birdied the final hole.

England's David Howell can be satisfied with his week following a fifth-placed finish on eight-under, while Sergio Garcia finished strongly for a top-ten spot on five-under.

Martin Kaymer blew the chance to snatch Lee Westwood's world No. 1 crown, finishing on two-under for a share of 28th. The German needed a top-two spot to move top of the rankings.

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