Jeev finishes tied ninth at Japan Golf Tour Championship

Tokyo, Jul 2 (UNI) Jeev Milkha Singh endured a tough day, carding a disappointing one-over 71 but that was enough to give him his eighth top-10 placing this year as he finished tied ninth in the 1.3 million dollar UBS Japan Golf Tour Championship here today.

The Asian Tour's UBS Order of Merit leader recorded a four-day total of level-par 280 at the Shishido Hills Country Club, seven shots behind overnight leader and winner Tatsuhiko Takahashi, who took home a prize money of 260,000 dollars.

''I played really solid today, although my putting was not up to the mark and I left about 12 putts short of the hole. I think I hit the ball the best I have this year actually, but just did not convert anything. I had 33 putts, which does not help,'' Singh said after missing several putting chances during the day.

Jeev started off with a birdie but had a tough day as he hit three bogeys -- two of them on his way back -- and rued the missed chances later.

''I hit the ball really well this week, but I just did not take advantage of that. I just have to work harder on the putting and we will sort it out,'' he said.

The Indian walked away with a prize money of 35,000 dollars and is now placed 21st on the Japan Golf Tour money list.

Jeev will head off to Ireland tomorrow where he will be seen in action in the European and Scottish Open.

''I am leaving on Monday for Ireland and the European and Scottish Opens and, if I play well out there, hopefully the Open. If do not make it in, I will be back in Japan for three weeks after that,'' he said.

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