ENGLAND’S Richard Mansell claimed his maiden European Tour title in his first week with a new caddie as a closing birdie handed him a one-shot victory at the weather-affected Singapore Classic.

With the tournament reduced to 54 holes following Thursday’s washout, Mansell went into the third and final round one shot off the lead on 10 under par but soon hit the front courtesy of five birdies in a row from the fourth hole.

The two-shot lead he held at the turn had gone by the time he reached the 18th tee but saved his best until last, two-putting from long range to end his wait for a first title at this level.

His closing 66 saw him finish the tournament on 16 under, one shot ahead of Japan’s Keita Nakajima, with Northern Ireland’s Tom McKibbin and Frenchman Adrien Saddier another stroke further back.

Mansell’s first visit to the winner’s circle came in David Kenny’s first week on his bag and the 29-year-old was full of praise for him.

He said: “What a feeling. Just to get into that position, and I played so well today.

“First week with a new caddie so that was a good start and he just, a couple of times, got me to slow down.

“And it makes those near-misses and when I’ve got ahead of myself in the past just kind of worth it and it just means that much more.

“One thing I’d say to people trying to do it as a career, that moment’s the most fulfilling thing in the world and it’s worth it.

“So stick in and hopefully you’ll get rewarded one day like I have today.”