Russian vote thrusts tycoon Prokhorov into spotlight

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov can claim a victory of sorts in Russia's presidential election, he may have done enough to win a permanent role in Russian politics despite finishing third with less than 8 percent of the vote.

Prokhorov, who entered politics only last year, was the sole liberal candidate in Sunday's election, providing a focus for some of Russia's middle class which has become increasingly disillusioned with the domination of Vladimir Putin.