Molinari grabs Dunlop Phoenix for third win in his last five starts

MIYAZAKI, Japan -- Italy's Edoardo Molinari made it three wins in his last five tournaments Sunday when he beat 2008 European money leader Robert Karlsson in a playoff at the Dunlop Phoenix.

The pair had finished regulation tied at 13-under 271 before Molinari, older brother of the better-known Francesco, sank a four-foot birdie putt on the second extra hole to win the $2.2 million Japan Tour tournament.

Karlsson missed a 12-foot birdie attempt on the second playoff hole and Molinari calmly sank his winner in steady rain at the Phoenix Country Club.

Molinari shot a 5-under 66 in the final round, while Karlsson had a 65.

The 28-year-old's previous victories came as he won Europe's "second division" Challenge Tour, but all three have counted toward the world rankings and he is now just outside the top 60.

He is also back into the top 10 on the 2010 European Ryder Cup world points list.

Karlsson failed to qualify for the Dubai World Championship after a season disrupted by a blister behind a retina. He was out of the game for almost three months.

Ireland's Shane Lowry, who as an amateur won the Irish Open in May, tied for third with Japan's Hirofumi Miyase at 7-under 277 after both shot 69 in the final round.

Japanese teenager Ryo Ishikawa had a 71 to finish in a tie for 20th at 1-under 283.

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