Quickstep team rider Tom Boonen receives his trophy from Qatar Cycling Federation official Ahmed al-Hamidi after winning the third stage of the Tour of Qatar. (AFP)

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Doha - Defending champion Tom Boonen of Belgium sprinted to victory in the third stage of the Tour of Qatar on Tuesday, while Dutchman Wouter Mol held on to the leader's yellow jersey.

Boonen edged out Heinrich Haussler of Germany and Australian Baden Cooke at the finish of the 136.5km stage from Dukhan in the west to Mesaieed south of Doha.

A three-time winner of the event, Boonen's stage win was his 16th in the Tour of Qatar since 2004.

Results of the third stage:

Stage

1. Tom Boonen (BEL/QST) 3hr 1min 39sec
2. Heinrich Haussler (GER/CTT) same time
3. Baden Cooke (AUS/SAX) s.t
4. Kenny De Haes (BEL/OLO) s.t
5. Daniele Bennati (ITA/LIQ) s.t
6. Peter Wrolich (AUT/MRM) s.t
7. Taylor Phinney (USA/TLS) s.t
8. Bobbie Traksel (NED/VAC) s.t
9. Tyler Farrar (USA/GRM) s.t
10. Philippe Gilbert (BEL/OLO) s.t

Selected:
17. Jimmy Casper (FRA/SAU) s.t
19. Wouter Mol (NED/VAC) s.t

Overall standings:

1. Wouter Mol (NED/VAC) 6hr 42mins 30sec
2. Geert Steurs (BEL/TSV) at 09 sec
3. Tom Boonen (BEL/QST) at 1min 55sec
4. Roger Kluge (GER/MRM) 1:59
5. Marcus Burghardt (GER/BMC) 2:05
6. Danilo Napolitano (ITA/KAT) 2:15
7. Philippe Gilbert (BEL/OLO) 2:17
8. Stuart O'Grady (AUS/SAX) 2:40
9. Tyler Farrar (USA/GRM) 2:41
10. Heinrich Haussler (GER/CTT) 2:43