Finger injury forces Jeev to pull out of Singapore Open

Former champion, Jeev Milkha Singh pulled out of the Barclays Singapore Open after further injuring his finger during the Pro-Am.

Jeev, the 2008 champion, who shot a six-over 77 in the first round at the Serapong Golf Course, said, "I actually felt a lot of pain on Wednesday evening after hurting my injured finger during Pro-Am. But I felt I could manage it."

"This morning during the round I realised I was holding myself back on many shots and not being to able to hit the way I wanted. So I have spoken to my doctor, who is with me this week," Jeev said.

Jeev started on the tenth and after a birdie on 11th, he bogeyed the next three and one more on 18th to turn in three-over. He played six pars in a row and then shot a 'snowman', a triple bogey on par-five seventh.

"I just couldn't hit the way I wanted," he said.

That was followed by a bogey on eighth and a consolation birdie on ninth. He quipped, "I needed that (birdie) just to keep me going."

Jeev is also unsure about Hong Kong Open next week but said, "I will take a call in the next few days. Right now I want to rest the finger and give myself time."

The Indian golfer, winner of the Scottish Open this year, is lying 25th on the European Tour Order of Merit, and a good finish will further his goal of trying to get to top-50 in the world. He is currently 95th.