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Scott retains Singapore Open

10/09/2006

Australia's Adam Scott has retained the Singapore Open after a three-hole play-off victory over South Africa's Ernie Els.

Scott and Els led the field by three strokes after the third round but the final round was abandoned halfway through because of thunderstorms and torrential rain so the pair contested a play-off.

Both players parred the 16th and 17th holes but at the 18th, Els found the rough and had to settle for bogey, while the world number five birdied to take the $3 million (£1.6 million) first prize.

Scott had not won a tour event since he claimed the same title a year ago but went into the final round in a good position at eight-under, level with Els.

The Australian began well, making birdies on the second and third holes, while Els slipped a shot back with a bogey at the third.

However, Els fought back with birdies on the fourth and sixth before taking the lead with an eagle at the seventh.

Els' lead didn't last long though as he bogeyed the eighth to move back to ten-under, level with Scott, before the round was abandoned with the pair at the ninth hole.

Instead of returning tomorrow, it was decided the match would be reduced to 54 holes and a play-off would decide the winner between Scott and Els.

However, Els' nine-month wait for a tour win was extended as Scott claimed the victory.

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