Benson and Hedges Malaysian Open 1999

American Gerry Norquist captured the first co-sanctioned Benson & Hedges Malaysian Open, presented by Carlsberg, after a tense final day at Saujana Golf & Country Club.

The 36 year old former insurance salesman from Arizona, who won the title in 1993, claimed the biggest cheque of his career, 103,223 euro, by shooting a closing 71 for an eight under par total of 280.

Norquist clung on gamely after leading by a commanding five strokes at halfway following a pair of matching 67s. He almost let the title slip with a third round 77 but bounced back to finally win by three strokes from European Tour players Alex Cejka and Bob May.

Cejka, winner of the season-ending Volvo Masters in 1995, finished with a 71 for 285 while May, still seeking his first professional victory, carded a level par 72 to join Cejka in the runner-up berth.

Scotland’s Andrew Coltart and Irishman Padraig Harrington finished in a five-way tie for fourth place on 284. Both ended the week by shooting two-under-par 70s.

Norquist immediately accepted the opportunity to become a member of the European Tour and his first prize propelled him to third place in the Volvo Order of Merit. He said: "I feel very privileged to be part of the European Tour. I am looking forward to learning what Europe is all about."

The American, one ahead overnight, always held the whip hand on the final day. Whereas he had started with three straight bogeys on Saturday, this time he covered the same stretch in one under par.

A closing 71 was enough to shake off his nearest pursuers, defending champion Ed Fryatt and fellow American Shaun Micheel.

Cejka finished leading European at five-under-par and he admitted: "I’m happy to see my name back up on the leaderboard - but a little higher would be even nicer. Still, it’s a good start to the season to be tenth, 13th and joint third. I’m pleased."

Less content was Harrington, who was disturbed by a clicking camera shutter as he faced a two and a half foot birdie putt on the last to join May and Cejka in a share of the runner-up position.

He missed and said: "It’s my fault for hearing it. I’m just disgusted at missing from two and a half feet. It was harder to miss than hole it."

Coltart, who closed with a pair of tidy birdies, moved up to 12th in the Volvo Order of Merit and sixth in the Ryder Cup point table.