Lowly Lawrie looking for way back in Qatar

EUROPE’S last winner of a major title is hoping rubbing shoulders with Ernie Els over the next two days can provide the spark to re-ignite his career.

Scot Paul Lawrie has fallen all the way to 340th in the world six years on from his victory in the Open championship.

But as a former winner of the Qatar Masters it came in 1999 just before his triumph at Carnoustie he has been paired with third-ranked Els for the opening 36 holes of the £780,000 event in Doha.