Japan’s Kota Kaneko started the day at the Austrian Alpine Open with a one-shot lead and fired five birdies and two bogeys to close with a 3-under 67 and win his first DP World Tour title by two shots at 18-under.

Kaneko is playing on the DP World Tour this season on an exemption having topped last season’s Japan Golf Tour Order of Merit. In his twelve starts he has made ten cuts including his T2 finish at last week’s Soudal Open.

He played with impressive consistency at the Austrian Alpine Open with 65s in his first three rounds.

“I just can’t believe it, I didn’t think I would win and I’m still very surprised,” said Kaneko. “I knew I hit it hard, but it went in so I was lucky.

“I knew I hit the board but I knew it didn’t go in the water, so I was just happy it didn’t find the water.

“I’d like to thank all the fans this week, they’ve been a big support to help me win this tournament.”

Portugal’s Ricardo Gouveia made three birdies and one bogey for a 68 and a share of second place at 16-under alongside American Davis Bryant who made an eagle at the par-5 10th, three birdies and one bogey for a 65.

Austria’s Bernd Wiesberger made five birdies and one bogey for a 66 and shares fourth place at 15-under alongside Italy’s Gregorio de Leo who eagled the par-5 4th and stayed bogey-free for a 65 as well as Spain’s Rafa Cabra Bello whose own 65 was also bogey-free.

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CEO Travis Club. Senior Vice President / Asset Management & Development, Castle Hill Partners.

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