Jeev signs off at tied 59th, betters 2002 US Open show

Mamaroneck, New York, June 19 (UNI) In his second appearance at the US Open, Jeev Milkha Singh finished tied 59th to better his 2002 performance but it was an agonising back nine in his final round of 76 that denied him a better finish in the Major.

Lone Indian in the fray after Jyoti Randhawa missed the cut, Jeev ended his sojourn at the trecherous Winged Foot Golf Club with a four-day total of 22-over 302 to be tied for 59th and as richer by 16,676 dollar.

In 2002, Jeev became the first Indian to qualify for the US Open and at the Bethpage Golf Club and he carded four straight 75s to settle for the joint 62nd position his first appearance in a Major.

On a challenging course where even the winner could not break the par, Jeev slotted two birdies against eight bogeys that marred his show.

After reaching the turn at two-over, things slipped out of Jeev's hand and he dropped four shots over the last six holes to repeat his second round show here.

Meanwhile, Australia's Geoff Ogilvy cocked a snook at Phil Mickelson as the American forfeited a two-shot lead to fail in his bid for a rare third consecutive Major victory.

Winner of the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship, Ogilvy (285) calmed his nerves and fired a two-over 72 for a one-shot victory ahead of the Mickelson- Colin Montgomerie- Jim Furyk trio.

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