November 19, 2006 – Jeev Milkha Singh capped a brilliant year by securing the Asian Tour’s UBS Order of Merit title on Sunday.

The Indian ace collected US$103,333 for finishing joint third at the UBS Hong Kong Open, taking his season earnings to US$573,442 – more than US$207,000 ahead of his nearest challenger, Prom Meesawat of Thailand.

With just one tournament remaining this year, the 34-year-old Singh has an unassailable lead in the money standings.

“I’m very excited, it’s like a Christmas gift to me,” said Singh, whose brilliant year has included his first two European Tour victories.

He carded a four-under-par 66 at the Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling to finish on 12-under 268 – three shots behind winner José Manuel Lara of Spain.

“It’s like a dream year. With a third-place finish here and winning the Order of Merit, it’s just perfect for me,” said Singh.

“I’m glad that I’ve proved something to myself and that I’ve won on the big stage. I feel that Asian players are good enough to win on any tour in the world right now.”