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Karlsson: Super Swede set for Order of Merit victory

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Robert Karlsson is on the brink of making European Tour history by becoming the first Swede to top the Order of Merit.

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With one event remaining in this year's schedule - the Volvo Masters at Valderrama - the 39-year-old currently holds top spot in the season-long standings.

So far, during the 2008 season, Karlsson has amassed €2,695,248 - which is some €297,425 more than his nearest challenger Padraig Harrington.

Lee Westwood is also in the running to top the Money List but from third in the Order of Merit, the 35-year from Lincolnshire would have to win in Sotogrande to stand any chance of overtaking Karlsson.

The same applies to Miguel Angel Jimenez who would need Karlsson to finish well down the field to stand any chance of being European No 1.

Once again, Valderrama will host the season's final event with the Robert Trent Jones course expected to provide its usual testing challenges.

The top 60 in the Order of Merit - plus the defending champion - are qualified to tee-up this week.

Who are the leading contenders for a season-ending win?

Darren Clarke: A two-time winner on Tour this year. The Ulsterman will hope to end the season in style, although he has never finished inside the top six at Valderrama.

Sergio Garcia: A great record in the Volvo Masters - albeit without a victory. Three-times a runner-up and only once lower than seventh in seven previous visits. Won last week on his home course.

Padraig Harrington: Is starting to feel the strain of a long season and may struggle to summon up the energy required to produce a top-two finish on the Costa del Sol this weekend. And anything lower than second place would not be enough for him to overtake Karlsson. His highest finish at Valderrama was second two years ago.

Robert Karlsson: The first Swede to win on the European Tour was Ove Sellberg in 1986. Now, 22 years later, Karlsson is hoping to become the first professional from his country to end the season as European No 1. His last three starts read: Won-Won-T3.

Ian Poulter: Winner of the Volvo Masters in 2004 and a top-10 finisher on his last five starts in this tournament.

Lee Westwood: Will have to win this week to stand any chance of overhauling Karlsson. His best Valderrama finish is second.