After poor Housten outing, Jeev eyes historic Masters debut

Houston, Texas, Apr 2 (UNI) Jeev Milkha Singh's hopes of making the most on a course set up to mimic Augusta National, the venue for this week's US Masters suffered a setback as he failed to come up with an under-par performance throughout the 5.5 million dollar Shell Houston Open here.

Jeev, who finished on 78 in the leaderboard, began the event with an one-over 73, followed by successive even-par performances but ended on a disastrous note with a seven-over 79 to aggregate eight-over 296 on the USPGA Tour event.

Indian-born Swede Daniel Chopra also reserved his worst for the last, carding a poor one-over 73 in the fourth round to end up with total of seven-under 281. Chopra, however finished on a face-saving tied 24th spot, slipping from tied ninth position.

The first Indian to qualify for the Masters, Jeev spoilt his chances of a decent finish by double-bogeying the fifth and the last holes besides dropping shots at four other holes against birdies on three holes.

In contrast, Chopra, a former Asian Tour regular fired two birdies against three bogeys.

Meanwhile Australian Adam Scott survived an errant drive into the lake on the 18th hole to win the Shell Houston Open, the Australian claiming the final tune-up before the US Masters by three strokes after a closing six-under 66.

Scott's compatriot, defending champion Stuart Appleby and American Bubba Watson shared the second spot.

Yesterday, many golfers including Jeev had to come back and complete his thrid round after a rain caused suspension of play in the thrid round.

The 35-year-old Jeev will look to extend his run of success on the international fairways as he hopes to generate greater interests in the game in India.

This weekend, the Asian Tour number one will realise his dreams when he makes an historic Masters debut at the fabled Augusta National Golf Club.

''I've always dreamt about playing in the Masters. When I was young, I would joke with my friends on the golf course that I've got a putt to win the Masters,''he had said.

''That's my favourite major championship. I'll go out there and enjoy every bit of that. I started playing golf at the age of nine but it wasn't until I was 13 or 14 that I first watched the Masters intently,'' Jeev had told reporters recently.

Scott, the sixth Australian to win the Houston tournament since it began in 1946, picked up 990,000 dollar for the victory.

UNI