Jeev on top in Asia

Stunning back nine efforts boosted Indian duo Jeev Milkha Singh and Jyoti Randhawa to a creditable tied third finish at the UBS Hong Kong golf tournament here today. The impressive finish also helped Jeev seal the coveted top place in the Asian Tour Order of Merit.

The winner was Spaniard Jose Manuel Lara 69 who pipped Filipino rookie Juvic Pagunsan 68 by one shot to win his maiden European Tour title. Lara clinched the title at 15-under-par 265 as he took advantage of a two-shot swing on 16th, where the Filipino youngster bogeyed and Lara birdied. Jeev and Randhawa produced four-under 66 each and ended at 12-under.

Apart from sealing the Asian Tour Order of Merit, the tied-third finish fetched Jeev, who led the Asian Tour Money List since his win in Volvo China Open, just over 103,338. It took his total to 573,442 and gave him an unassailable lead of just under 206,000 over second placed Prom Meesawat 365,771.