A late slump put paid to Jeev Milkha Singh's hopes of a top-five finish and the Indian turned in an even-par 71 in the final round to sign off tied 10th in the 1.8 million pound Celtic Manor Wales Open in Newport.

The Chandigarh-pro finished with a total of 11-under 273, 11 strokes behind winner Australian Scott Strange, who sizzled with a flawless 64 studded with seven birdies to secure his maiden European Tour title.

Jeev, who was tied third overnight, started with a second-hole birdie for the third successive day and parred the remaining holes of his front nine to make the turn one-under.

His back nine was also off to a good start with a birdie on the 11th but bogeys on the 12th and 16th meant that Jeev failed to break par for the first time in the tournament.

Meanwhile, Swede Robert Karlsson took the sole second spot after matching Strange's 64 in the final round. Karlsson was four strokes off the pace at 18-under 266.

Frenchman Rapahel Jacquelin (68) was a further four strokes adrift at the third spot.