Monday, 16 July 2012:

India's Jeev Milkha Singh captured his fourth European Tour title on Sunday when he birdied the first play-off hole to defeat Italy's Francesco Molinari and claim the Scottish Open.

The 40-year-old Singh also booked his place in the British Open next week by reaching the play-off against the overnight leader.

Singh, who had been five shots off the lead going into the final round, hit a five-under 67 to finish on 17 under par for the tournament.

Molinari held his nerve to birdie the final hole for a par 72 to send the tournament into the play-off.

But back on the 18th, Molinari left his birdie putt well short while Singh confidently held his testing attempt to add the Scottish Open to his wins at the 2006 China Open and Volvo Masters as well as the 2008 Austria Open.

Singh's best performance this season had been a seventh place finish at the Stockholm Masters in June.

"I think the last tournament in Ireland and here have extended my love for this type of golf. I have always loved links golf. You need to use imagination and intelligence," said Singh.

"Coming from India I didn't know a lot about it but I just love it."

It is the second week in succession Molinari has finished runner-up after his second place at the French Open.

Scotland's Marc Warren had been leading by two strokes with three holes to play but three-putted the 16th hole for a double bogey and then had to take a penalty drop on his way to a bogey at 17.

Warren, looking to become only the second Scotland-born champion, then parred the last in a round of 71 to share third place on 16-under par with Sweden's Alex Noren (70).

World number one and defending champion, Luke Donald (73) shared 16th place on 12-under par with four-time Major winning Phil Mickelson (74) and triple Major winner, Padraig Harrington (71).

Despite Donald's finish he heads to the British Open still as the game's leading ranked player.

Richard Green (68 69 67 73) finished the best of the Australians, seven off the pace.

AAP