SINGAPORE : England's Ian Poulter won the Barclays Singapore Open on Sunday.

Poulter clinched victory at the US$5 million event with his 10-under total, after holding off an eleventh hour challenge from China's Liang Wenchong.

Poulter is a controversial and colourful character known for his remarks and fashion sense.

But the 33-year-old Ryder Cup star has been off colour with his game in recent years, winning his last title in 2007.

Poulter said a six-week break before coming to Singapore did him good. And he went on to win, thanks to his scintillating first two rounds making up for a drop in his form in the later stages.

He said: "It has been a little bit surprising... the last two days, (I) just found myself - whether I was distracted, whether I wasn't concentrating, whether I was tired or whether it was just trying to shake some rust off - I found myself dropping shots, silly shots and making this tournament a lot more interesting."

Poulter pockets a cool US$833,000 for his efforts, while a stroke back, in second position, was China's Liang Wenchong.

Liang's late charge was not enough. He missed numerous chances, especially on the 18th hole, which he needed to birdie to force a play-off.

Two-time Barclays Singapore Open champion Adam Scott of Australia redeemed himself with a 68 to finish joint third with compatriot Scott Hend, both on 8-under.

The future of the event looks bright as the organisers have confirmed that they are extending the current sponsorship, which ends next year, for another two years till 2012. There are also plans to expand the competition to include more players and involve two courses. - CNA/ms