Singapore – Himmat Rai rolled in a 25-foot birdie putt on the sixth playoff hole Sunday to earn his first Asian Tour title at the Singapore Classic.
Rai outlasted four other players for his first win at Orchid Country Club.
"I can't believe that I've pulled it off," said Rai. "I was just trying to improve my score and the playoff was splendid. I stuck to my routine and thoroughly pleased with my finish. It's very sweet and special."
Rai posted a final-round, one-over 71 to finish regulation at nine-under 271. Rai, a third-round co-leader, headed to a playoff with fellow overnight leader Adilson Da Silva (71), Elmer Salvador (66), Guido van der Valk (66) and Tjaart van der Walt (67).
The longest playoff in Asian Tour history was trimmed down to just Rai and Salvador after the second extra hole. It was there that Salvador holed a 50- footer to stay in the playoff, but after the sixth hole, when Rai's putt from half that distance fell, the title was his.
"I just knew I had to close it soon before things got out of hand," said Rai. "I gave myself a good chance. That putt, sometimes when you're under pressure, you tend to rush it but I thought if I don't close it, the game would go otherwise. I hit a solid putt. I was lucky it went in."
Juvic Pagunsan had a four-under 66 on Sunday and came in sixth at minus-eight. Berry Henson carded a three-under 67, which was good for seventh at seven- under 273.
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