'giD' hails Jeev's Austrian Open success

Dubai: 'golf in DUBAI' ('giD') on Monday lauded Jeev Milkha Singh's stunning success in the rain-hit Bank Austrian Open in Vienna on Sunday, calling it a "victory for Indian golf."

With clouds threatening to break into showers, the Indian ace, who is also a 'golf in DUBAI' ambassador, closed with a tense level-par 71 for a three-round winning total of 15-under-par 198 to edge England's Simon Wakefield by one shot and claim the winner's cheque for ¤216,660 (Dh1.2 million) in the 54-hole championship.

"The victory is another feather in the cap of Jeev, the flag-bearer of Indian golf," said Mohammad Juma Bu Amim, vice-chairman and CEO of 'giD', promoters and organisers of the Dubai Desert Classic.

"Like a great champion that he is, Jeev is totally dedicated to the job at hand and gives 100 per cent to every round, no matter the results," Bu Amim added. He flirted with success in the Enjoy Jakarta Astro Indonesia Open and Ballantine's Championship in South Korea recently, finishing second on both occasions.

"He refused to give up and trusted his swing. If he has come out singing in the Vienna rains, it's because of his fighting qualities and hunger for success," he said. "We, at 'golf in DUBAI', are delighted with his achievement and wish the very best for the remainder of the season," Bu Amim added.