TOKTO (Japan), December 7 : PGTI member Jeev Milkha Singh put behind personal tragedy en route to perhaps the most emotional victory of his career when he lifted the season-ending Golf Nippon Series JT Cup in Japan on Sunday.With his wife recuperating in a local hospital here after delivering a stillborn child, Jeev had decided to withdraw from the tournament but his wife, Kudrat, urged him to play on and Jeev eventually went on to claim his second Japan Tour title of the year and his fourth overall this season.
"I dedicate this win to my wife, for being strong enough to tell me to go and play on the Thursday morning," an emotional Jeev said in a statement.
Starting the day one shot off the lead, Jeev, the 2006 winner here, carded a four-under 66 to clinch the title at 12-under 268. He had shot 64, 70 and 68 in the previous three rounds.
The trio of Brendan Jones (64), David Smail (66) and Taichi Teshima (68) finished two shots behind Jeev in tied second. Jeev’s final round was marked by birdies on the second, sixth, seventh, 12th and 14th and a lone bogey on the 13th.
This was Jeev’s second Japan Tour title of the year, following his Nagashima Shigeo
Invitational Sega Sammy Cup earlier this year. His other titles this year include the Bank Austria Golf Open (European Tour) and Singapore Open (Asian Tour).
Padamjit Sandhu, Business Head PGTI, said, "We are very proud and honoured to have Jeev Milkha Singh as our member. This win has redefined Jeev’s stature as an Individual and a sportsman. We respect his achievements
& stand by him in this hour."
Digvijay Singh and Amandeep Johl finish tied 23rd in Vietnam
Digvijay, Amandeep tied 23rd
Ho CHIH MINH CITY: PGTI members Digvijay Singh and Amandeep Johl were the highest-placed Indians at the Hana Bank Vietnam Masters as they finished tied 23rd with totals of five under 283. Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand won the event in a play-off after finishing the regulation 72 holes at 15 under 273 along with Rhys Davies and Andrew Dodt.
Rahil Gangjee and Gurbaaz Mann were tied 37th at one under 287. Anirban Lahiri and SSP Chowrasia ended the tournament in tied 49th place with matching totals of one over 289. Himmat Singh Rai’s total of three over 291 helped him finish tied 61st.