McDowell blows Singapore chance

Graeme McDowell led after 12 holes of the final round

Three late bogeys saw Graeme McDowell blowing his chance of victory at the Singapore Open as Ian Poulter held on to win the European Tour event.

McDowell was involved in a duel with Poulter for most the last round before three consecutive bogeys from the 14th saw him slip to a share of fifth place.

The Portrush man finished three shots behind after a final-round 74.

McDowell trailed Poulter by a shot going into the final round but found himself a shot ahead after 12 holes.

The Northern Irishman was Poulter's nearest challenger after firing a third round 67 to trail the Englishman by one shot on 10 under par.

After an opening birdie in his final round, McDowell lost ground by double bogeying the sixth but another gain at the ninth and three further pars saw him moving a stroke ahead as Poulter faltered.

However, McDowell's three straight bogeys ended his chances as Poulter finished a shot ahead of China's Liang Wenchong.

Poulter was clinching his first win since the 2006 Madrid Masters.

Australian duo Adam Scott (68) and Scott Hend (69) finished joint third at eight under, with South African Charl Schwartzel (69), McDowell and Dane Anders Hansen (70) tied for fifth a further shot off the pace.

Peter Lawrie ended in a share of 24th place after hitting a 74 for two under.

Padraig Harrington ended level par after a final-round 69 while Darren Clarke was in a share of 57th on six over par after concluding rounds of 73 and 75.