Karlsson unfazed by hazy Euro crown prospects

VALDERRAMA, Spain: Robert Karlsson goes into this week's order of merit showdown at the Volvo Masters looking down at his rivals in a philosophical mood over his chances of being crowned European No 1 on Sunday.

The Swede has a 297,425 euro ($372,100) advantage over his nearest rival Padraig Harrington, the Irish 2008 double major champion, and is 466,606 euros ahead of Briton Lee Westwood who is third on the money list.

While Harrington has won two majors, Karlsson has had the more consistent season and is on the brink of being the first Swede to claim the Harry Vardon trophy.