Round 4 - Sam Brazel claims maiden tour win

December 12, 2016

Australia's Sam Brazel birdied the 18th hole to narrowly edge Rafa Cabrera Bello to capture the Hong Kong Open on Sunday, his first title on the European Tour.

Ranked 480th in the world, Brazel plays on the Asian Tour and had never had a top-10 European Tour finish before. The win gives him automatic entry into European Tour events for the next two years.

''I'd love to come over to Europe. It would be a great privilege,'' an emotional Brazel said. ''It feels amazing. I'm speechless. What a win. I feel very privileged to be playing here first of all and then ecstatic to win. As far as where this takes me obviously, I might be playing a few more events in Europe next year and we'll see where that takes me.''

Brazel and Cabrera Bello started the round level at 11 under, but the Australian sank three consecutive birdies on the back nine to take the lead, and then made his birdie putt on the final hole to nudge the Spaniard for the title.

''Rafa is a great fellow to play with. Plays very nicely. Got a great golf game I think he got unlucky a couple of times. I didn't really feel like it was a battle between the two of us. I was just trying to have fun, I was trying to enjoy moment and enjoy the experience of it all,'' Bazel said of his playing partner.

Brazel shot a 68 for an overall total of 13-under 267, while Cabrera Bello, who had a double bogey on the par-3 8th hole, shot a 69 and finished a stroke back.

''It's just a little disappointing today. I managed to start good again but then struggle half way through the front nine. Battled back really hard again, same as yesterday but then Sam just played a fantastic 18th hole,'' said Cabrera Bello.

Andrew Dodt of Australia shot a final-round 66 to tie for third with Tommy Fleetwood of England (68), two shots off the leader.

David Lipsky of the United States carded a 68 to finish in fourth place at 10 under for the tournament.

Defending champion and Rio Olympic Golf medalist Justin Rose tied for 36th spot with a final round 69 for a 278 overall.

Round 3 - Rafa Cabrera Bello & Sam Brazel share lead

December 11, 2016

Sam Brazel of Australia shot a 3-under 67 Saturday in the third round of the Hong Kong Open to share a two-stroke lead with Rafa Cabrera Bello.

Cabrera Bello lost his three-shot lead at the Hong Kong Golf Club after four bogeys and a double bogey. The Spaniard recovered with key birdies on Nos. 15 and 17 for a par-70 round - and 11-under 199.

''The best thing is I'm still in it, I'm still leading alongside Sam,'' Cabrera Bello said.

Brazel, who plays on the Asian Tour and is yet to win a big tournament, bogeyed the first hole but then had an error-free round to stay in contention.

''I haven't been in the top position before,'' Brazel said. ''I'm just going to go and do what I did today. Just play one shot at a time and try and enjoy the atmosphere out there.''

English golfer Tommy Fleetwood (67) is two off the pace on 9 under, a shot ahead of American David Lipsky (66).

Defending champion Justin Rose finished on 1-under.

''Drove the ball exceptionally well today, feel like I have all the full power back,'' said Rose, who withdrew after the first round of the Hero World Challenge earlier this month. ''I think this has been the perfect week for me, sort of active rehab.''

Round 2 - Rafa Cabrera Bello extends lead

December 10, 2016

Rafa Cabrera Bello extended his lead to three strokes at the Hong Kong Open on Friday after a 5-under 65.

Cabrera Bello, who led by one stroke after an opening 64 at the Hong Kong Golf Club, is at 11-under 129 overall. Sam Brazel is second after a second consecutive 66.

Masters champion Danny Willett (66) had six birdies, moving into a four-way tie for third place, five strokes behind the leader.

Justin Rose (69) was 1-under for the tournament, while Ian Poulter (72) was at even par, as was U.S. Ryder Cup player Patrick Reed (70).

Round 1 - Rafa Cabrera Bello tops leaderboard

December 9, 2016

Rafa Cabrera Bello had four birdies and an eagle Thursday for an opening 6-under 64 and a one-stroke lead at the Hong Kong Open.

Sebastien Gros shot 65 at the Hong Kong Golf Club, while 11 golfers were tied for third with 66s.

Masters champion Danny Willett and Ian Poulter were in a group of 10 with 68s at the joint European Tour and Asian Tour event.

Defending champion and Olympic gold medalist Justin Rose, who pulled out of last week's Hero World Challenge in Bermuda with a back injury, shot 70.

Scores

 

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