Adrian Otaegui Reigns Supreme At A Dramatic 54-Hole Event In The Far East (But It Wasn't LIV Golf Singapore)
The Spaniard triumphed at Hidden Grace Golf Club by a single shot after the third round was cancelled because of heavy rain
Spaniard Adrian Otaegui won a dramatic China Open on the DP World Tour by a single stroke from Italy's Guido Migliozzi On Sunday after carding a superb final-round 65.
The fifth European Tour victory of Otaegui's career arrived via a total score of 18-under at the end of just 54 holes for the week, with Saturday's third-round action at Hidden Grace Golf Club cancelled due to thunder and lightning in the Shenzhen area.
Not only was a fifth European Tour success important to Otaegui, but the 31-year-old also booked his spot at the upcoming PGA Championship as a result of finishing third in the Asian Swing portion of the DP World Tour's calendar.
Sebastian Soderberg - who, despite his disappointment, still finished top of the Asian Swing - was also aiming to clinch a wire-to-wire victory in China, but the Swede endured a tough final round and could only manage a level-par 72 just days after firing an electric 63.
As the Spanish champion picked up each of his seven birdies without a dropped shot, Soderberg simply could not find any traction of his own and was passed for the lead by Otaegui inside the final three holes. But after both birdied 17, the pair were tied at the top as the eventual winner finished with a par to set the clubhouse lead at -18.
The moment @adrianotaegui claimed his FIFTH DP World Tour title 👏🇪🇸#VolvoChinaOpen pic.twitter.com/Rb9bemhJHAMay 5, 2024
However, stood on the 18th tee box with a chance to win, Soderberg - who has been in such excellent form of late - sent his drive out of bounds to close with a double bogey and slip back into a tie for third.
Reacting to successfully overturning a five-shot deficit at the start of the day for a fifth DP World Tour victory, Otaegui said: "I'm very, very happy, I'm extremely happy. I had to wait a little bit since I finished, see what was happening in the final group. But, luckily for me, things turned up well and I'm extremely happy.
Get the top Black Friday deals right in your inbox: Sign up now!
The hottest deals and product recommendations during deals season straight to your inbox plus all the best game-changing tips, in-depth features and the latest news and insights around the game.
"I was starting five shots back and I tried not to look at the leaderboard, not think about the result, try to play how I played on Thursday and Friday and think if things go well, it's a course where I can have some birdie chances.
"I have been putting well, I was feeling more and more confident through the week with the putter and I knew if I had birdie chances that I could potentially hole a few. I think I was actually feeling more calm through the round."
Briefly discussing his PGA Championship achievement, too, Otaegui said: "Playing a Major this year was a big goal for me. I’m delighted that I will be at the PGA Championship in two weeks. It will be just enough time to rest a little bit at home next week and then head to America."
A post shared by Golf Monthly (@golfmonthly)
A photo posted by on
Soderberg ended alongside Englishman Paul Waring and Swiss player, Joel Girrbach on -16 while Filipino Lloyd Jefferson Go finished in solo sixth at 15-under. South Africa's Brandon Stone carded a brilliant final-round 64 to sit one shot further back.
Austrian Matthias Schwab and American Johannes Veerman finished T8 at 13-under, while France's Antoine Rozner wrapped up the top-10 at 12-under.
The DP World Tour season will not return until after the PGA Championship takes place, with the European Swing beginning at the Soudal Open in Belgium between May 23-26.
Jonny Leighfield is our Staff News Writer who joined Golf Monthly just in time for the 2023 Solheim Cup and Ryder Cup. He graduated from the University of Brighton with a degree in Sport Journalism in 2017 and spent almost five years as the sole sports reporter at his local newspaper. During his time with Golf Monthly, Jonny has interviewed several stars of the game, including Robert MacIntyre, Ian Poulter, and Lee Westwood. An improving golfer himself, Jonny enjoys learning as much about the game as he can and is hoping to reach his Handicap goal of 18 at some stage. He attended both the 150th and 151st Open Championships and dreams of attending The Masters one day.
-
Quiz! Can You Name Every Player In The 2023 Ryder Cup?
There were 24 golfers involved. How many members of the two teams can you name?
By Roderick Easdale Published
-
Quiz! Can You Name Every Player In The 2024 Solheim Cup?
There were 24 golfers involved. How many members of the two teams can you name?
By Roderick Easdale Published
-
Watch: Min Woo Lee Makes Simulator Ace - Live!
Min Woo Lee used the weather delay at the Australian PGA Championship to live stream a golf simulator session to his social media followers - and promptly made a hole-in-one
By Paul Higham Published
-
Australian PGA Championship Cut To 54 Holes After Friday Wash Out
The Australian PGA Championship has been reduced to 54 holes after heavy rain washed out Friday's second round without a ball being struck
By Paul Higham Published
-
DP World Tour Rookie Hit With Slow Play Penalty On First Pro Start
Jacob Skov Olesen was handed a one-shot penalty for slow play at the Australian PGA Championship in what was his very first start as a professional
By Paul Higham Published
-
Teams Announced Ahead Of GB&I vs Europe Team Cup Match
Nine of the ten players for each side have been confirmed by the DP World Tour
By Elliott Heath Published
-
Sergio Garcia Rejoins DP World Tour
The Spaniard has rejoined the DP World Tour, opening the possibility of him resuming his record-breaking career on the European Ryder Cup team
By Mike Hall Published
-
Rory McIlroy Proves Fierce Loyalty To Caddie With Heartfelt Message In Race To Dubai Victory Speech
Addressing Harry Diamond after winning the Race To Dubai, McIlroy thanked his best friend and called any stick he had received this year "unwarranted"
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
How All 10 DP World Tour Graduates Fared In The 2024 PGA Tour Season
Robert MacIntyre won twice while Matthieu Pavon also earned a big tournament victory...
By Elliott Heath Published
-
BMW Australian PGA Championship Prize Money Payout 2024
Cameron Smith is one of a host of big names competing at Royal Queensland Golf Club as the new DP World Tour season gets underway
By Mike Hall Published