Dubai glory for Donald and Quiros

Monday, 12 December 2011 00:00 -     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

DUBAI (Reuters) : Briton Luke Donald became the first player to win the orders of merit on both sides of the Atlantic on Sunday while Spain’s Alvaro Quiros lifted the European Tour’s season-ending Dubai World Championship title.

World number one Donald shot a closing 66 to finish third in the tournament on 16-under 272, one behind fellow countryman Paul Lawrie (67) and three adrift of Quiros (67).

Donald, who had already clinched the U.S. PGA Tour money list in October, picked up $1.5 million for landing the European order of merit and another $487,500 for his performance at the Greg Norman-designed Earth course.

“I’m extremely proud,” the 34-year-old Donald told the presentation ceremony. “This is something I’ve been thinking about for the last half of the season.“I didn’t think it was possible to win the money lists on both tours.This was never going to be an easy week but it has capped off an amazing year for me,” he said referring to his four victories and a host of top-10 finishes.

The 28-year-old Quiros collected the first prize of $1.25 million after making it a Dubai double -- he also lifted the Desert Classic crown in February -- by coaxing home a curling 50-feet eagle putt at the 18th.

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