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SINGAPORE: A thrilling final, with a five-way play-off, saw India's Himmat Rai winning the ISPS Handa Singapore Classic at the Orchid Country Club on Sunday.
The event also saw US$100,000 of the prize money donated to rebuilding efforts in Japan after the tsunami tragedy earlier this year.
Five golfers were tied at nine-under 271 in regulation play on Sunday - the most players in a play-off in Asian Tour history.
Rai went the distance with Filipino Elmer Salvador, after Dutchman Guido Van Der Valk, South African Tjaart Van Der Walt and Brazilian Adilson Da Silva bowed out following the second play-off hole.
The Indian and Filipino were neck and neck, before the deadlock was broken in the sixth extra hole and fading light.
The 24-year-old Rai birdied a six-metre putt to his and everyone's relief, as he earned US$47,550 on the way to clinching his maiden victory on the Asian Tour.
"I was physically prepared for it, all credit to my trainer, mentally prepared, all credit to my psychologist, game-wise prepared, all credit to my coach and so I was basically prepared overall but the competitor Salvador he really hung tough," said Rai.
This is still not a record as far as play-offs are concerned on the Asian Tour. In 2001 the SK Telekom Open in Korea saw seven extra holes played before a winner was decided.
- CNA/de
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