Ashun Wu rolled back the years in spectacular fashion as he pulled off a stunning Sunday comeback to capture his fifth DP World Tour title at the Volvo China Open—almost a decade to the day since his first win at the same event.
The 39-year-old from China stormed home with a six-under-par 65 at Enhance Anting Golf Club in Shanghai, wiping out a four-shot deficit and snatching victory by a single stroke. Nearly ten years after his maiden Tour win, Wu showed he’s still got plenty of magic in the tank, delivering a closing back-nine masterclass to reach 14 under par.
Wu’s day began with promise, birdieing the opening hole. But a bogey at the fifth had him scrambling to keep pace. A birdie at the eighth steadied the ship, but by the turn he still trailed Spain’s Eugenio Chacarra, who was chasing back-to-back wins after his Hero Indian Open triumph.
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Chacarra’s challenge stuttered, Wu caught fire.
He birdied 10 and 11, then rattled off three more gains down the stretch to post a clubhouse lead that proved uncatchable. Playing partner Jordan Smith kept the pressure on with a 67, but it was Wu’s steely composure and home-soil hunger that shone brightest.
The drama wasn’t done yet. Haotong Li, roared on by the local crowd, made a stunning eagle on 17 to climb to 12 under and give himself a chance at the final hole. But a bold attempt to attack the par-five 18th ended in disaster when his second shot flirted with the greenside stream, and a wayward chip sealed the deal for Wu.
Germany’s Yannik Paul also had a shot, but seven closing pars left him two strokes short, tied with Li. Chacarra faded to a share of fourth, joined by Zecheng Dou—part of a record-setting Chinese quartet in the top 10 alongside Wenyi Ding, who closed at nine under.
REDEMPTION FOR WU AFTER TOUGH SEASON
Wu’s emotional victory wasn’t just about the silverware—it was a lifeline. After finishing 115th in the Race to Dubai last year, he had lost full playing rights by a single spot. Now, with this win, he’s locked in on the DP World Tour until the end of 2027.
“This is very special,” said an emotional Wu. “Ten years ago I won here, and now to come back and do it again in Shanghai is unbelievable. I stayed patient, trusted my game, and the birdies came when I needed them.”
He credited the support of the home crowd and the friendly rivalry with playing partner Smith for pushing him to new heights. “Jordan is a great guy, great player. He started fast and pushed me to go for it. The fans were amazing, and Shanghai has given me good luck again.”
