Donald makes history, Quiros wins

He raised both his hands towards heaven when he birdied the last hole. The World No.1, Luke Donald, created history by becoming the first golfer to win the money list on both sides of the ocean. He won The Race to Dubai and was prevented a double by Alvaro Quiros who eagled the 18th to win the Dubai World Championship. It was a perfect finish to the season-end event as two birdies and an eagle marked the finale at the Earth Course of the Jumeirah Golf Estates.Donald had birdied the last hole to put pressure on Quiros who was one shot behind coming on the 18th but the ever smiling Spaniard had reserved his ace towards the end and eagled the last with a long putt to win the event. Paul Lawrie finished two shots behind the Dubai Desert Classic winner while Donald was content with his third place.Sunday’s win propelled Quiros to 20th in World Ranking from 52nd going into the event. This was Quiros’ second victory of the 2011 European Tour season, following his Omega Dubai Desert Classic. This victory brought him his third Desert title from his six European Tour triumphs overall, including three of his last four wins. The 2009 Commercialbank Qatar Masters, the 2011 Desert Classic and the Dubai World Championship. George O’Grady, chief executive of The European Tour, Mohammed Sharif, chief executive of DP World, Saeed Hareb, Managing director of Nakheel, and Sanjay Manchanda, interim CEO of Nakheel presented the trophies to Quiros and Donald.It was a dramatic finish on the 18th as two birdies and one eagle saw a finger-biting finish for two players Quiros and Donald.“I feel pretty good, I can say very good,” said Quiros after his victory.The Spaniard eagled a 12-metre putt as he raised his arms and hugged his caddy, knowing that he had spoilt Donald double victory party. Whilst congratulating Quiros for the victory, Donald did not feel bitter that the hard-hitting Spaniard had spoilt his double victory celebrations. The world no.1 who celebrated his birthday on Wednesday had said it would be a perfect birthday present if he had won the double. But knowing he had created history by becoming the first golfer in history to earn both the money lists, Donald simply basked in that glory.“It’s something that I didn’t really think was possible,” he said.“I played extremely solid, consistent golf all year, winning four times and just playing right at the right moments. I think this is a testament. My hard work paid off,” he added.