SUTTON COLDFIELD, England (Reuters) - Former European number one Lee Westwood claimed his second title of the season when he won the British Masters yesterday by five strokes from fellow-Briton Ian Poulter.

An exhilarating closing seven-under 65 from Westwood for a 15-under par 273 total, earned the 34-year-old his 18th European Tour success.

Westwood began the final round at the Belfry former Ryder Cup venue two strokes behind compatriot Mark Foster but as the overnight leader stumbled, the 2000 European money-list winner took over.

Poulter stayed on Westwood's shoulder until the last three holes. Then two huge putts, from 30 feet for a birdie on 16 and 35 feet to eagle the long 17th, swept Westwood well clear of, by then, his only rival.

Foster stayed just about in contention until driving out of bounds at the 11th and from there it was an uphill struggle for Westwood's club mate, who limped home in third place, six shots adrift.

Westwood's overpowering finish showed his improvement in putting form this year. It also revived memories of past Ryder Cups.

"It was a great finish and I hardly put a foot wrong," Westwood told reporters.

"Obviously the 16th and 17th killed off anybody else's chances.

"I holed one like that on 16 against Tiger (Woods) in the Ryder Cup. The eagle then put the icing on the cake."