Karlsson beats Poulter in play-off to win final 2010 tournament in Dubai.

Robert Karlsson overcame Ian Poulter in a play-off to win the Dubai World Championship in the Jumeirah Golf Estates after they tied on 14 under par.

Poulter was 3 ahead at the start of the final round but Karlsson wasn't long catching him when he was 4 under par after the first 3 holes. They were round in 67 and 70 respectively and so sudden death decided who won the first prize of €910,348.

Both birdied the first extra hole after hitting approaches within five feet, and at the second extra hole Poulter mis-cued his sand wedge approach to leave a 30 foot putt.

Karlsson was precise again, his ball finishing three feet from the cup, and to make matters worse Poulter then picked up a one shot penalty when he dropped his ball on his marker and moved it. Karlsson was taking no chances and duly birdied for a fine victory.

It was another fine performance from Holywood's Rory McIlroy. He finished 5th on his own on 12 under par after he stormed home over the two closing rounds with a 66 & 67.

Graeme McDowell was needing a win to beat Martin Kaymer to the title of European No1, but he struggled over the opening rounds with a 72 & 73. He recovered with closing rounds of 69 and 68 for a share of 13th place alongside Peter Lawrie on -6.

Darren Clarke finished in 28th on -2 and with a cheque for €49,432 grabbed the 30th spot on the order of merit which gives him a place in next years Open Championship.

It wasn't a great week for Padraig Harrington. He opened with a 74 and closed with a 76 for a share of 39th on 1 over par. Gareth Maybin struggled with the course and ended in 55th spot on 9 over par, while the usually steady Damien McGrane was 13 over par to finish in 59th place.