Kaymer targets Ryder Cup spot

After winning his maiden title in Abu Dhabi in 2008, the

24-year-old German needed every ounce of experience gained from adding three wins since to edge out Ian Poulter by a single stroke.

Overnight leader Kaymer, who also finished second last year, birdied the final hole at Abu Dhabi Golf Club to card a bogey-free, six-under-par 66 today.

Poulter produced a valiant effort to play his part in a thrilling duel as the Ryder Cup ace matched Kaymer's final round, but it was not enough to erase the one-shot overnight deficit as he paid the price for a wayward tee shot on the final hole.

The 25-year-old Kaymer said: "My goal for every year is to win two tournaments on the European Tour. I did it in 2008 and 2009 and I hope I can do it this year.

"But my main goal is to play the Ryder Cup this year because when I went there two years ago I really felt I want to be there one day because it is so cool. Even though I wasn't playing, it gave me so much experience and it helped me so much.

"My goals for the future are to have two wins on the European Tour each year, to play better in the big events and try to play the Ryder Cup."

Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie will be looking forward to having Kaymer at his disposal in October along with Poulter and another expected debutant, Rory McIlroy, who finished third.

"I've been in contention a few times already in my career over the last three years," added Kaymer.

"My first win was difficult and my second win in Germany was very difficult. Now it has changed a little bit.

"My self-confidence is bigger than two years ago and I think it has come from playing well all around the world. I played well in the last major and I'm getting better in the World Golf Championships events."

Poulter, 34, traded blows with Kaymer for the entire final round to continue his recent string of top-10 finishes, with the latest pushing him into the world's top 10 for the first time.

Hull's Richard Finch finished off the pace with 69 68 77 75, trailing fellow Yorkshireman Simon Dyson's 72 67 75 67.