Thai player wins prestigious Volvo China title

Thailand's Sarit Suwannarut claimed the prestigious Volvo China Open title with a commanding display of golf at Hidden Grace Golf Club in Shenzhen on Sunday.

The popular player was doused with champagne by his fellow Thai competitors after he holed the winning putt on the 18th green, and posted a joint best-of-the-week score of eight under par 64 for a total of 19 under for a six-shot win.

Suwannarut's task was made all the easier on Sunday as his two nearest challengers – overnight leader Chen Guxin and amateur compatriot Ding Wenyi, both carded disappointing final rounds of one over par 73.

"I wanted to find something this week because it has been a tough year," said 25-year-old Suwannarut. "I have missed a lot of cuts. I didn't finish well at all, but it happens.

"My putting this week was insane. It's like lights out. I feel like I saw every line, saw how to putt, saw everything."

Chen birdied his final two holes and punched the air in delight on the 18th green when his birdie putt dropped in the cup, however, he will reflect on a wasted golden opportunity to win his Nation Open Championship for the very first time.

"Sarit's putting was extraordinary today," said a disappointed Chen. "He played very well and by contrast, I just played badly. I need to learn how to play well in the final round."

Hong Kong's Kho Tai-chi took full advantage of the perfect scoring conditions and immaculate greens to shoot a seven under par final round of 65 – which included a chip in eagle two from 20 yards at the shortened par four 18th hole to finish in joint second place with Chen at 13 under par.

"Walking up to that chip I was saying to my caddie that I have to do a better job with my short game; to just trust it and let go," said Kho of his eagle at the last. "I was able to let go of the chip – it was a really good chip and it looked good all the way. I was really happy to cap off the week like that."

Second-round leader Eugenio Chacarra of Spain posted a final round 68 to finish alone in fourth place while England's Steve Lewton also made an eagle two at the last for a five-under par 67 to finish the event in tied fifth place with India's Karandeep Kochhar, who matched the winner's final round score of 64 today.

Ding had to settle for joint seventh place despite finishing eagle, birdie, however a triple bogey six on the 16th destroyed any hopes he had of a higher finish, but once again he claimed the low amateur prize.

Also finishing in seventh place alongside Ding was Lee Chieh-po of Chinese Taipei and pre-tournament favorite Andy Ogletree of the US.

Former Ryder Cup player Graeme McDowell of Northern Ireland completed his week with a one-under-par score of 71 that left him in joint 13th place.