Sweden’s Alexander Björk climbed into the European Tour’s Race to Dubai top ten after shooting a sensational final round 65 at the Volvo China Open to pick up his maiden European Tour title.
The former Challenge Tour graduate, who only made four bogeys in the entire week, came into the final round one shot off the lead but started the day strongly with three birdies in his first nine holes. The 27 year old kept up his red hot form with a further four shots gained on the back nine to finish one shot clear of Spaniard and Dubai resident Adrian Otaegui. Björk collects 500,000 Race to Dubai points which takes his total for the season to 888,773 and moves him from 25th to ninth in the Race to Dubai Rankings.
“Many congratulations to Alexander on his first European Tour win at the Volvo China Open,” said Nick Tarratt, Director European Tour International, Dubai Office. “The Swede has been in good form of late and we look forward to welcoming him back for his second appearance at the DP World Tour Championship, Dubai at Jumeirah Golf Estates in November.”
Björk came into the tournament playing some of the best golf of his European Tour career after finishing tied for third in last week’s Trophee Hassan II. His hot streak continued in China with sublime rounds of 66, 72, 67 and 65, enough to steer clear of the chasing pack at Topwin Golf & Country Club in Beijing. The breakthrough victory was sealed after Otaegui and Englishman Matt Wallace failed to make eagle on the last to take the tournament into added holes.
“It’s tough to describe the emotions,” said Björk. “I’m really happy and really proud of myself with the way I played today, it’s probably one of the best rounds of golf I ever played, the best round in the situation.
“I hardly made any mistakes today, I’m super happy. I’ve been striking the ball so well off the tee and also into the greens all week. It’s been so solid, it’s easy to play a round when the swing is there. I had a really good feeling this morning, I was less nervous than I usually am before a big final round, I felt confident almost all the way. I guess it was meant to be today.”
English duo Wallace and Jordan Smith were joined in a tie for third with Spaniard Jorge Campillo. The trio collected 155,000 points which moves Wallace from 27th to 17th on 532,390 points. Smith lies on the cusp of the top 60 after making significant strides from 171st to 62nd with 194,954 whilst Campillo stays in 13th on 787,996 points.
The top three in the Race to Dubai Rankings remain the same. American Patrick Reed leads the way with 2,216,000 whilst Shubhankar Sharma of India stays in second place after a tied for 14th finish left him on 1,079,898 points. Defending Race to Dubai champion Tommy Fleetwood completes the top three on 1,023,670.
The DP World Tour Championship, Dubai takes place at Jumeirah Golf Estates from November 15-18.
