• Scottish Open, Round Four

Warren blows Scottish Open chance as Singh wins

Marc Warren threw away his third European Tour title © PA Photos

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• Profile: Luke Donald | Phil Mickelson | Francesco Molinari | Jeev Milkha Singh

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Marc Warren threw away the chance to book his place at next week's Open Championship on Sunday, losing his nerve when in possession of a three-stroke lead at the Scottish Open, which was won by Jeev Milkha Singh.

Warren, born in Rutherglen, led a talented field on the final day as he moved to a seemingly winning score of 20-under. However, the 31-year-old will have to wait for the chance to end his five-year spell without a European Tour title, after he lost his nerve over the concluding four holes to finish on 16-under, one stroke off the top score.

Warren had started the final round two strokes behind the leader, but five unanswered birdies through the opening 12 holes propelled him to the top of the leaderboard. With four left to play the Scot found himself defending his own two-shot advantage, which was wiped out when his putter completely failed him for a double-bogey at 15.

He was handed a lifeline when the man with whom he shared his lead, Francesco Molinari, himself bogeyed 15 to once again give Warren the edge. However, further bogeys at 16 and 17 ruined the Scot's bid, leaving him to sign for a one-under 71, which opened the door for Molinari to force a play-off.

With Singh already in the clubhouse on 17-under, Molinari entered the final hole knowing a birdie would secure him victory. As he approached the green he faced a tricky putt for par, which he drained to force the play-off, but Singh claimed the title - and a spot at The Open - by winning the first play-off hole.

Warren was left to settle for a tie for third alongside Alex Noren.

Matthew Baldwin was the highest finishing Englishman, finishing with a five-under 67 to complete on 15-under. Baldwin produced his second flawless round of the competition to sign off on an excellent week's work.

The big names failed to fire in round four, with Phil Mickelson particularly disappointing after he had played his way into contention. The American had moved to within three strokes of the third-round leader, but his challenge capitulated when he posted four bogeys between seven and 14 on Sunday.

Mickelson eventually signed for a two-over 74, leaving him on an overall score of 12-under. That left him level with world No. 1 and defending champion Luke Donald, who also failed to break par as he ended with a 73.

Padraig Harrington was another to settle for a 12-under score, with former world No. 1 Martin Kaymer further back on 10-under. All four players will acknowledge the need for improvement heading into The Open.

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