Jeev misses title by a whisker

Fukuoka, Japan, Nov 5 (UNI) A last hole bogey cost him dear as overnight leader Jeev Milkha Singh returned an indifferent one-over 73 final round to miss the title by whisker and finish second in the Asahiryokuken Yomiuri Asoiizuka Memorial Open here today.

Jeev aggregated 17-under 277 to end just a stroke behind the winner, Tatsu Ichihara of Japan, who carded a sensational five-under 67 round today to lift the title.

Nevertheless, Jeev pocketed 10 million yen for his effort besides crucial average points which could propel his position further up in the world golf rankings.

The Asian Tour Order of the Merit leader, who won Volvo Masters in Spain last week, began strongly by striking a birdie on the par-five third but lost the plot and dropped consecutive bogeys on the eighth and ninth.

He tried to claw back with a birdie on the 15th hole but a three-putt bogey on the last proved to be his undoing.

UNI XC DH HT1557