India's Singh becomes a one-season millionaire

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SINGAPORE (AP) -- Jeev Milkha Singh's win at the Singapore Open made him the Asian Tour's first single-season millionaire.

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Jeev Milkha Singh made a name for himself internationally in 2008.

The Indian golfer's one-stroke win over Padraig Harrington and Ernie Els after a final-round 69 at Sentosa Golf Club on Sunday was his third victory of the season, enabling him to all but clinch the Asian Tour's Order of Merit for the second time in three years.

First prize in the $5 million Singapore Open was worth $792,500, raising his season total to $1.4 million. That's $655,000 ahead of second-place Mark Brown of New Zealand, who missed the cut at Singapore.

There are four individual events left on the Asian Tour's 2008 schedule, including this week's Hong Kong Open.

Kyi Hla Han, the Asian Tour's executive chairman, said the win will help improve golf in the region.

"We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Jeev as our first million-dollar man in a single season on the Asian tour," Han said. "Part of our mission is to create greater playing opportunities for our members and through this historic landmark, it reinforces the strength of the game in Asia.

"I am convinced that Jeev's success will inspire other young players across Asia to emulate his success."

Singh, 36, turned pro in 1993. Before this season, his total career earnings were $1.35 million, including $591,000 while winning the 2006 Order of Merit.