DUBAI // 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.
Donald, the world No 1, 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 US PGA Tour money list in October, picked up $1.5 million (Dh5.3m) for landing the European Order of Merit, now known as the Race to Dubai, and another $487,500 for his performance at the Greg Norman-designed Earth course.
"I'm extremely proud," the 34-year-old winner 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.
Rory McIlroy, Donald's only rival and the US Open champion, needed to win the tournament but finished at nine-under in a tie for 11th.
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.
"Obviously I was lucky to hole that long putt," said the smiling Spaniard on another scorchingly hot day at the Jumeirah Golf Estates. "I love playing in Dubai, the great weather helps a lot. Long hitters like me also have an advantage here."
Quiros finished with a 19-under total of 266. He was tied with Lawrie for much of the day and fell a shot behind heading into the back nine. But Lawrie bogeyed the 12th and Quiros then birdied the 14th to take the lead for good. He clinched the win with a 40-foot eagle putt on the 18th.
