BATTLING Lee James banked himself some extra Christmas spending money with a top-30 finish in the Volvo Masters of Asia in Malaysia over the weekend.

The 29-year-old Southbourne star was in sparkling form on the final day with a blemish-free card for a four-under-par 68. His reward was a cheque for $4,8883.

But it could have been so much better for James had he not fallen ill on the second day. The intense heat and humidity took its toll on James who was under doctor's orders to stay under the cover of an umbrella after suffering with dehydration.

Despite feeling under par, James dug deep for a plucky 73, but slip-ped down the leaderboard from his lofty 12th place after the first round.

A third-round 70 lifted James to 37th and he moved up a further 10 places on the final day for an eight-under-par total to finish as the highest-placed Englishman.

Nineteen-year-old Korean Kevin Na won the $90,000 first prize on 16-under-par while Scotsman Simon Yates shared a four-way tie for second.

James was one of 10 sponsor's invitations which included European Tour stars Patrik Sjoland and Costantino Rocca.