Super Singh claims third victory of year in Japan

India's Jeev Milkha Singh sensationally claimed his third title of the season when he won the Casio World Open by two strokes on Sunday.

Singh, who was the co-third round leader, closed with a four-under-par 68 to beat David Smail of New Zealand in a thrilling duel. He totalled 16-under-par 272 for the week and in the process lifted his first title on the Japan Golf Tour.

It has been a remarkable year for Singh, who had earlier won the Volvo China Open in April and Volvo Masters in Spain in October. Last week, he clinched his first ever Asian Tour UBS Order of Merit title after finishing joint third in the UBS Hong Kong Open.

"I played really solid. The weather was not good as it was raining and cold but I played nicely. I went out there and birdied the first hole and putted well the whole round," said Singh.

"This is my first win in Japan. I've been close a few times. I've now won on three different Tours this season, it can't get any better than this. God has been good to me. It's been a perfect year."

Smail pushed Singh all the way and narrowed the gap to one stroke with a birdie on 17. Singh needed an up and down to save par on 17 and then birdied his last hole for a two-stroke triumph. "David played rock solid, it was an excellent match," said Singh.

In all, Singh carded five birdies against a lone bogey and his victory is poised to push him up on the Official World Golf Ranking where he is presently ranked 63rd. The Indian star is looking to break into the top 50 which will earn him an invitation to the US Masters next April.

"I'm not sure where I'll be when the rankings come out on Monday but hopefully, it'll be good enough for me to get into the top 50," he said.

Apart from his three victories, Singh has also registered 14 other top 10s around the world.

Chinese Taipei's Lin Keng-chi finished joint third on 12-under after signing off with a 69 while compatriot Yeh Wei-tze was tied 23rd. Filipino Frankie Minoza and Thailand's Thammanoon Srirot were amongst those in tied 37th place on 284.

In Australia, Asian Tour member Jarrod Lyle, who recently secured his US PGA Tour card through the Nationwide Tour, finished tied seventh in the Mastercard Masters. He signed off with a 72 for a 282 total, six shots behind winner Justin Rose.

Jarrod Mosely was tied 17th on 285 while Brad Kennedy and Gary Simpson were amongst those who shared 25th place on 287.

November 26, 2006

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