Spirited Jeev makes his best major finsh

Augusta, Georgia, Apr 14 (UNI) In a dramatic come back, Indian pro Jeev Milkha Singh made his best finish at a major as he finished his Masters campaign at the 25th position with a three-over-par 75.

Jeev was six-over-par at windy Augusta National when he showed great skills and mettle to hit four birdies over a five-hole stretch.

This was Jeev's best finish at a major beating his previous performance in the US Open last year where he finished tied 36th.

His four-day score in the year's first major was four-over-par 292.

''I'm really disappointed. I came back pretty strongly at the back nine and left a few out there. I tried but I made too many mistakes on the front nine.

''My management wasn't up to the mark. I was pushing myself too much and getting result orientated and I paid the price,'' said Jeev, who finished tied 37th in his Masters debut last year.

''I was trying shots which I shouldn't have. On the first and ninth holes I should have just made sure I got the ball up on the green and I didn't.

''It was poor management. I'm little disappointed with the way I finished as I wanted the top-16 (to earn a return trip to next year's Masters). Hopefully I can learn from this and come back next year,'' he added.

Jeev suffered double bogeys on the first and ninth holes and dropped further bogeys on the third and fifth holes against a lone birdie on the second.

The 2006 Asian Tour champion then bogeyed the 10th which followed another misadventure in the middle of the fairway, he was staring at a big number for the round.

However, the Indian fought back hard and a birdie on the par five 13th hole sparked his come back.

While playing partner Nick Watney sensationally holed out for an eagle, Jeev converted a 15-foot birdie on the 16th hole and trickled in his fifth birdie of the round from 12 feet on the 17th. He then dropped a bogey on the last after a blocked drive hit a tree and missing a six foot par save.

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