Svensson prevails in play- off to win first Tour title in rookie season

SWEDE Jesper Svensson prevailed in a three- hole play- off against Kiradech Aphibarnrat to win his first DP World Tour title at the Porsche Singapore Classic.

Svensson – already a two- time runner- up in his rookie season – finished birdie- birdie in a courserecord equalling 63 to set the target at 17 under but that was not enough as Thai Aphibarnrat eagled the last in a 64.

The duo halved the 18th in birdies and then pars on the first two trips back up the par- five closing hole but at the third time of asking, Aphibarnrat went over the back and surrendered a bogey, leaving Svensson two putts for a par and the win.

“It’s been a lot of good golf so it

was nice to finally come out on top,” said Svensson. “It’s very hard to win so it’s really nice. It’s been a long journey. To win on my first season out here, I couldn’t have dreamt of it. It’s always been a dream to be a winner on the DP World Tour and to achieve it feels amazing.

“Combined with Challenge Tour last year and the beginning of this season I’ve had five second- place spots in the last year. I really wanted to come out on top here.”

Svensson began the day five shots off the lead but got off to a blistering start, making birdies on the first and second and adding an

eagle on the par- five third. Further birdies arrived at the sixth and eighth, but he dropped a shot either side of the turn to remain in a congested pack.

However, he went on a stunning birdie- birdie- eagle run from the 12th to storm ahead and despite dropping a shot at the 15th, finished birdie- birdie.

England’s Sam Bairstow carded a closing 68 to finish one shot out of the play- off, with countryman Andy Sullivan at 15 under.

Ewen Ferguson was leading Scot with a final round of 71 leaving him joint 11th on 11 under.