Jaidee claims European scalp

Thailand's Thongchai Jaidee turned his attention to a future on the European Tour after his victory, inspired by a hole-in-one, at the Carlsberg Malaysian Open.

The 34-year-old became the first Thai golfer to win a European Tour event with his 14-under-par, two-shot victory over Australian Brad Kennedy.

He devastated the back nine with four birdies and his ace on the 188-yard 16th, which took him to the front for the first time.

This was his third win in six events, and he is now fourth on the European Order of Merit and top of the Asian list. He said: "I've dreamed for so long to win on the European Tour. I would like to play it full-time now."

Ryder Cup trio Miguel Angel Jimenez, Padraig Harrington and Colin Montgomerie all left hurriedly to arrive in California in time for the Accenture Matchplay at Carlsbad on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Candadian left-hander Mike Weir had a level-par 71 to retain his title at the Nissan Open in California.