Quiros is shaken but stirs to win
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Your support makes all the difference.Alvaro Quiros has promised to keep his feet firmly on the ground after yesterday's Qatar Masters victory propelled the talented Spaniard firmly on to the world stage.
The 26-year-old held his nerve over the final round to seal a comfortable three-stroke victory over former champion Henrik Stenson and South African Louis Oosthuizen with a final-round, three-under-par 69.
The triumph, only three months after his win at the Portugal Masters, is set to propel the big-hitting Quiros into the world's top 30 and all but ensure a first major appearance at The Masters, and also open the door for the forthcoming World Golf Championship events.
But after the avid James Bond fan, who watched Tomorrow Never Dies before yesterday's final round, likened his fourth-round exploits to Daniel Craig's gambling-based thriller Casino Royale, he played down talk of more success on the big stage.
"It wasn't a perfect day at the beginning but I made the score and I won," said Quiros. "The birdie on nine was huge, I had been trying but the ball wouldn't go in. The tee shots and second shots weren't very good either. But after that putt I believed a bit more and I had more focus.
"My aim over these three weeks was to get into the top 50 in the world. After Abu Dhabi my game was good but the scores weren't coming and I had more doubts but I just waited and kept going and I am close to playing in the majors."
Quiros, the overnight leader, reached the turn one over par and was soon in a three-way tie as Stenson drained an eagle putt at the 10th. But on the back nine his putting touch returned and, despite finding water at the 15th to give Stenson hope, back to back birdies handed him a two-stroke lead heading up the last.
A three-putt at the 18th from Stenson extended the victory margin as the Dubai-based Swede carded a 68, which also allowed Oosthuizen to record a second runner-up appearance in a week as a birdie at the last secured a 71.
"It is a surprise – to win a tournament is not something you do everyday. For players like Sergio Garcia and Stenson it is easy but for me it is very special," added Quiros. "I am going to fly to The Masters, if I get in, to enjoy the situation. I grew up watching it on TV, for me it is going to be a very special thing along with all the majors."
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