Italy's Molinari beats Swede Karlsson for win in Japan

MIYAZAKI, Japan -- Italy's Edoardo Molinari won the $2.2 million Dunlop Phoenix on Sunday, beating Sweden's Robert Karlsson in a playoff.

Molinari made a 4-foot birdie putt on the second playoff hole to secure the win after both players finished regulation at 13-under 271.

"I played well today but Robert did too," Molinari said. "We pulled away from the rest of the field and had a good battle in the playoff which I was happy to win."

Molinari, who went into the final round with a one-stroke lead over the Swedish veteran, shot a 6-under 66 on Sunday while Karlsson fired a 65.

On the final playoff hole, Karlsson missed a 12-foot birdie attempt, allowing the 28-year-old Molinari to calmly sink his winner in steady rain at the Phoenix Country Club.

Ireland's Shane Lowry finished tied for third with Japan's Hirofumi Miyase at 7-under 277 after both shot 69 in the final round.

Japanese teenager Ryo Ishikawa shot an even-par 71 to finish in a tie for 20th at 1-under 283.