Jeev consolidates lead in Asian Tour Order of Merit

Kuala Lumpur, May 8 (UNI) With an impressive tied second finish in the weather-shortened SK Telecom Open, Jeev Mikha Singh strengthened his position at the top of the Asian Tour's UBS Order of Merit, surpassing his total earnings from two previous seasons in the process.

Jeev earned a cheque of 53,134 dollar in Korea, raising his season's tally to 442,526. The recently-crowned Volvo China Open champion is 112,768 dollar ahead of second-placed Charlie Wi of Korea, who tied for 27th place at the SK Telecom Open.

Among his compatriots, Shiv Kapur is at the 13th place with 130,407 dollar while Amandeep Johl is 17th with 97,885 dollar.

Meanwhile, 21-year-old Thai Meesawat, winner in Korea, pocketed 127,523 dollar and jumped to sixth place in the list.

Nicknamed the ''Big Dolphin'' -- for his burly physique and because he lives in a coastal town -- Prom said, ''Now that I've qualified for the HSBC Champions Tournament, I would like to play well in that event.'' Meanwhile, the Asian Tour heads to India for the first time this season for the inaugural 400,000 dollar Aamby Valley Asian Masters starting near Mumbai on Thursday.

UBS Order of Merit (Top-20): 1. Jeev Milkha Singh, Ind (442,526) 2. Charlie Wi, Kor (329,758) 3. Andrew Buckle, Aus (280,212) 4. Simon Dyson, Eng (269,265) 5. Thongchai Jaidee, Thai (217,222) 6. Prom Meesawat, Tha (206,192) 7. Prayad Marksaeng, Thai (177,777) 8. Mardan Mamat, Sing (174,382) 9. Tadahiro Takayama, Jap (173,460) 10. Wang Ter-chang, Tpe (141,788) 11. Jarrod Lyle, Aus (136,270) 12. Thaworn Wiratchant, Thai (131,299) 13. Shiv Kapur, Ind (130,407) 14. Suk Jong-ryul,Kor (125,000) 15. Scott Strange, Aus (107,154) 16. Chapchai Nirat, Thai (101,637) 17. Amandeep Johl, Ind (97,885) 18. Terry Pilkadaris, Aus (93,970) 19. Mahal Pearce, NZ (91,625) 20. Lee Sung, Kor (89,829).

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