Singh thrilled by victory in China

Jeev Milkha Singh’s victory at the Volvo China Open marked a stirring comeback for one of Asia’s pioneering golfers.

Singh won for the first time in seven years and his victory will certainly boost his confidence as he gained his European Tour card for the first time since 2002, although the 34-year-old Indian said he was most likely to play on the Japan Tour.

Singh has been on the tour since 1993 and won acclaim when he became the first Asian Tour golfer to win his card in the European Tour.

“For sure I am going to play a few tournaments in Europe, but I am going to play mainly in Japan. I’ll see how it goes,” said Singh.

His latest victory at the Honghua International Golf Club is a fairytale for the Indian star who suffered a serious wrist injury six years ago.

“It’s fantastic to have won,” said Singh. “When I was injured, I wasn’t sure whether I was going to come back. But I came back, although I wasn’t thinking the same way as I was putting pressure on myself.

“I was getting down and I was pushing to win a lot. After that, you don’t think right. Obviously, I started working hard and the wrist was getting better and things started to look better for me and I just won. It's one of the best feelings.”

Meanwhile, overnight leader David Lynn of England was disappointed with his closing 73 as he finished two shots behind Singh.

“I started off feeling good and I thought I was going to have quite a good chance. I was feeling comfortable tee to green and I was just trying to be patient,” said Lynn.

“But then on the back nine, crunch time, I got a dose of the three putts at the wrong time. The first two I three-putted. They were tricky putts and it sorts of knocks your confidence a little bit.

“But then the next minute, I am faced with another 30-footer and I got a bit tense over it [at the 15th] and that was my challenge ended.”

Defending champion Paul Casey returned to the clubhouse disappointed after carding an even-par 72.

“I just don’t think anything was on today. After yesterday’s wind, I found it difficult with the swing and that was that,” said Casey.

“I couldn’t hit the ball to where I wanted to. Clearly looking at the scores, I wasn’t swinging it very well and that shows on the card.”

Ireland's Peter Lawrie finished on three under while Damien McGrane was one shot further back on -2.