Haeggman gains first title for seven years

Sweden's Joakim Haeggman, playing the 2004 season on a medical exemption, won the Qatar Masters by one shot on Sunday to secure his first European Tour title in seven years and the third of his career.

The 34-year-old Haeggman fired a seven-under-par 65, including five birdies on the front nine, to finish at 16-under 272.

Japan's Nobuhito Sato, co-leader overnight with Frenchman Raphael Jacquelin, placed second on 273 after a final round of 68.

Britain's Brian Davis (67), Jacquelin (69) and Spaniard Jose Manuel Lara (67) tied for third at 14-under 274, Davis virtually sealing a maiden appearance at next month's U.S. Masters.

Haeggman, who became in 1993 the first Swedish golfer to play in the Ryder Cup, missed the first seven months of the 2003 season recuperating from an ankle break sustained while playing ice hockey.

However he advertised his good form this year with a tie for ninth at last week's Dubai Desert Classic.

"This was my second consecutive top-10 finish and the fourth top-15 finish in the eight events I have played this year," said the Swede, who last tasted success at the 1997 Scandinavian Masters.

"Winning here has boosted my confidence, after my 2002 accident, and I feel now I can play and win golf at the highest level."

Haeggman's victory has also enhanced his chances of representing Europe for a second time at the Ryder Cup, against the U.S. in Michigan in September.

"I love to represent Europe in the Ryder Cup and this win is one step towards that," added the Swede.

Sato's final round comprised five birdies and a solitary bogey, at the second hole, and the Japanese was content with second place.

"I never expected to play so well and to make only two bogeys all the week was good," he said.

"I knew Haeggman had birdied the last and I needed an eagle to tie. However, the green wasn't reachable and I had to play up and try to hole my chip."

The 29-year-old Davis had targeted a top-six finish at Doha Golf Club in a bid to qualify for his first U.S. Masters, but his share of third has virtually guaranteed him a spot at Augusta National for the first major of the year.

"I came out to do a job and I think I've done it," said Davis, who broke into the world's top 50 for the first time last week. "It is a pity I couldn't get into a playoff but it's been a brilliant start to the year."

The top 50 in the official world rankings, as of March 29, who have not otherwise qualified for the Masters automatically gain a place in the field.

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