Scandinavian Masters 2006

Karlsson, last week's European Players' Championship winner, handed in his nine-under-par card -- bettering Irishman Peter Lawrie's record of two years ago by a stroke -- 20 minutes before overnight leaders Mark Roe of Britain and Belgian Nicolas Colsaerts teed off.

At that point Karlsson was a stroke behind. On an afternoon of errors as a troublesome wind caused problems on the Barseback course however, no-one was able to better his three-round mark of nine-under-par 207.

A 73 by Colsaerts at least enabled him to stay with Karlsson, a stroke ahead of another Swede, Jarmo Sandelin, who also surged through the field early in the day with a 65.

Karlsson, who said he was tired and felt under pressure earlier this week after his success in Germany, had to fight to make the cut with a stroke to spare.

Having overcome that hurdle, though, he went to town.

Out in 32 with five birdies and a bogey, Karlsson played even better on his back nine, securing an eagle and four more birdies, picking up a shot on the last and dropping just one more shot.

"I made the mistake of playing on Tuesday, not realising how much winning had taken out of me," Karlsson said. "And the result was I shot 75 in the first round.

"Those are the things you have to learn. But look at Tiger Woods. He has this every time he plays, and what a lot of respect I have for him.

"When I was four-over after six yesterday it didn't look too good, so it was a big challenge. I told myself to just keep patient, don't push too hard. Today I was happy to play so stress-free."

Karlsson lies seventh on Europe's Ryder Cup table, with 10 automatic places being decided in just over four weeks' time in Munich at the BMW International.

With 266,660 points on offer, first place and a rare back-to-back victory would rubber-stamp Karlsson's team place against the United States at the K Club in Ireland on Sept. 22-24 but he refuses to look that far ahead.

"The Ryder Cup was never a target. I was so far away from it and it's only the last couple of months it has even touched my mind," Karlsson said.

"My target was to go out and enjoy and as long as I can do that I was confident sooner or later things would come together -- as they have at the moment. I'm only focusing on things I can control."

Joint leader Colsaerts did not think playing alongside Karlsson and in front of a large home crowd would intimidate him and the 23-year-old Belgian said he was keen to show he could convert his latest winning chance to claim a maiden title.

"I'm still there. In the past I've played to only 70 per cent of my ability when I've had the chance to win. I feel I've learned that lesson."

Roe, without a seven-iron because he was unable to get his shattered club repaired after breaking it on the last hole the previous day, slipped back to a share of fourth place with two more Britons, David Carter and Marc Warren, and another Swede, Peter Gustafsson.