Brier eases to victory in China

Austrian Markus Brier eased to victory in the Volvo China Open, winning by five strokes to secure his first European Tour Victory away from home soil.

A final round of 67 was more than enough for the overnight leader who was barely troubled by the field on the last day.

The 38-year-olds total of ten-under-par was well ahead of the chasing pack that contained Australian Scott Hend, Northern Ireland?s Graeme McDowell and South Africa?s Andrew McLardy who were tied at five under.

?The Volvo China Open is a great tournament to win. I have been to China a few times and always played well,? said Brier, who won his maiden European Tour title in the BA-CA Golf Open, last year.

Brier quickly moved into a commanding position, picking up birdies at the 2nd and 3rd holes, before suffering a minor blip when he bogeyed the 4th.

The Austrian quickly recovered, gaining birdies at the 8th and the 9th, and when his challengers were faltering around him, Brier was comfortably home.

Scott Hend?s challenge faded away at the turn, dropping shots at the 10th and 11th after a promising start.

Meanwhile father to be Andrew McLardy earned his second runners up spot of the year and will now take time off ahead of his child?s birth in a few weeks.

Graeme McDowell gained his 2nd top five finish of the year with a final round two under 69, after carding three successive 70?s.

VOLVO CHINA OPEN ? LEADING SCORES

Shanghai, China

-10 M Briers (Aut)

-5 S Hend (Aus), G McDowell (NI), A McLardy (RSA)

-4 R Sterne (RSA)