Karlsson: Padraig is true No1

Robert Karlsson moved into pole position to win the Order of Merit but claimed he would still be in the shadow of Padraig Harrington whatever happens.

Karlsson claimed his second European Tour victory in succession at St Andrews yesterday, making a birdie on the first play-off hole to win the Dunhill Links Championship from Martin Kaymer and Ross Fisher.

The £432,000 first prize took the Swede £112,980 ahead of Harrington in the Order of Merit with just four events of the season remaining.

But Karlsson, who won the Mercedes-Benz Championship in Germany the week before the Ryder Cup, concedes Harrington's victories this year in the Open Championship and USPGA Championship mean he will be the true European No1.

"I still rate Padraig's year higher than mine," he said.