Barclays to fund S'pore Open until 2012

Barclays agreed to extend its sponsorship of the Singapore Open until "at least" 2012 and keep the prize money at $5 million (3 billion pounds) while expanding the field, tournament organizers said on Sunday.

As Briton Ian Poulter was sinking the winning putt for a one-stroke victory on the 72nd hole of this year's tournament, Barclays were finalizing the deal that will extend its interest in "Asia's major." "This is a fantastic event for Barclays" Robert Morrice, the bank's chief executive in the Asia Pacific, was quoted as saying in a statement released by organizers.

"We are excited about growing the tournament with an increased field of players from around the world as a cornerstone of our brand strategy."

The field will increase from 156 to 204 players, who will play across the two courses of the Sentosa Golf Club.

The tournament would continue to be sanctioned by the European and Asian Tours, the statement added.