Fernandez-Castano Wins Singapore Open


The winner of the Singapore Open was finally determined Monday when Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano of Spain beat Juvic Pagunsan of the Philippines on the second playoff hole at Sentosa Golf Club Monday.

After both players carded pars on the first playoff hole - the par-5 18th - a process that took 24 hours, Fernandez-Castano made a short birdie putt on the second hole after his opponent missed his 10-foot birdie try.

The win, Fernandez-Castano's fifth on the European Tour but first since 2008, was worth $1 million.

The third round was washed out due to heavy rains, reducing the $6 million European Tour event to 54 holes. After Pagunsan and Fernandez-Castano finished tied at 14-under 199, both players teed off on the first playoff hole. But the horn sounded due to thunderstorms in the area following their first shots.

Following a 90-minute delay to let the storm pass and the grounds crew to sweep off standing water on the 18th hole, the two players returned. But Pagunsan and Fernandez-Castano could only get off one more shot before a thunderclap sent them back to the clubhouse.

Heavy downpours turned the 18th green into a water hazard. At 6:15 p.m., officials decided on the Monday finish.

The long delays took their toll on the Spaniard. "This is probably the most nervous I've ever been on a golf course," said Fernandez-Castano, who admitted later he couldn't sleep Sunday night.

"[Sunday] was the type of pressure I have never felt before. I've never been in the lead with a four-shot margin going into the last nine holes. I hope I've learned from that."

Despite not pulling off the win, Pagunsan's runner-up finish moved him to first in the Asian Tour Order of Merit standings.

Phil Mickelson posted a 1-under 70 to finish at 5-under 208. Mickelson's next stop is Australia, where he'll be playing for the U.S. team in this week's Presidents Cup Matches at Royal Melbourne Golf Club.