Karlsson wins European Masters

CRANS-MONTANA, Switzerland, Sept. 8 (UPI) -- Robert Karlsson of Sweden recorded an emotional victory Sunday, rallying for a four-stroke win at the European Masters.

Two days after his former sports psychologist, Dr. Bengt Stern, died, Karlsson carded an even-par 71 to defeat former British Open champion Paul Lawrie of Scotland and Trevor Immelman of South Africa at Crans-sur-Sierre.

Karlsson recorded his fifth career European PGA Tour title with a 72-hole total of 14-under 270, then said he did it for his friend.

"I got the message on Friday afternoon and I felt I wanted to do this for him, so it was nice I could," said the 33-year-old Karlsson, who worked with Stern from 1996-2000.

"One of the most important things he got me to understand was that if I feel I am playing badly, it is only actually a thought, it doesn't have to be truth. If you are playing badly on the golf course, it is only a feeling."

Karlsson needed that train of thought Sunday as his two-shot lead disappeared with bogeys at the second, third and fourth holes - his first bogeys of the tournament since the 11th hole of the opening round.

England's Barry Lane took the lead from Karlsson, who rebounded with birdies at the fifth and eighth holes.

Birdies at the 11th, 13th and 15th - where he chipped in from the back of the green - gave Karlsson a six-stroke cushion. He bogeyed the final two holes and still won comfortably.

Lawrie closed within a stroke of Karlsson, but he dropped three shots over the final five holes en route to a 72. He tied Immelman at 10-under 274.

Immelman was a runner-up for the third time this season. After giving away tournaments in France and Sweden, he battled his way through a final-round 72.