VIRGINIA WATER, England, Oct 18: Ernie Els had double cause for celebration on Saturday with victory in his World Match Play Championship semifinal coinciding with confirmation that he will finish as Europe’s number one this season.

The big South African world number two, chasing a record-equalling fifth Match Play title and a one million pounds ($1.67 million) first prize into the bargain, won an astonishing eight holes in a row on his way to a 5&4 defeat of Vijay Singh.

That run surpassed a 38-year record in the event set by his countryman Gary Player during his comeback win over Tony Lema.

Holder Els, 34 on Friday, will meet either Denmark’s Thomas Bjorn or American Ben Curtis in the final. After 30 holes, Bjorn led the British Open champion by one hole.

Els learned earlier on Saturday that he could not be overhauled as Europe’s leading money winner with over two million pounds after his nearest rival Darren Clarke decided against playing in next week’s Madrid Open, the season’s penultimate event.

Els had looked in trouble early on in the 36-hole match against Singh who led four-up at one stage but his fortunes turned dramatically from the 16th as he won the last three holes with birdies and followed up after lunch by winning the first five of his afternoon round. That left him four-up.

The Fijian finally found some rhythm but even when he eagled the long 12th, Els matched it with a magnificent eight iron to four feet and a bogey from Singh at the 14th completed his misery.

He will meet Denmark’s Thomas Bjorn in the final who beat American Ben Curtis.

Semifinal results: Ernie Els (South Africa) bt Vijay Singh (Fiji) 5 & 4; Thomas Bjorn (Denmark) bt Ben Curtis (U.S.) 2 holes.