Sebastian Söderberg may have seen victory slip away at the Volvo China Open but a third successive top-five finish meant he topped the Asian Swing Rankings.
The Swede has been a picture of consistency during the four-event stretch and was leading by three shots heading into the final round at Hidden Grace Golf Club following back-to-back runner-up finishes at Hero Indian Open and ISPS HANDA - CHAMPIONSHIP.
He was alongside clubhouse leader Adrian Otaegui at 18 under par when teeing up at the last in Shenzhen, however, he hooked his drive into the penalty area, which eventually led to a closing double bogey.
Söderberg came in third alongside Englishman Paul Waring and Switzerland's Joel Girrbach at 16 under, with Italy's Guido Migliozzi finishing one ahead following a lengthy birdie at the final hole.
As a result of topping the standings, the World Number 98 has won $200,000 in prize money and earned exemption to the Back 9 phase of the DP World Tour schedule.
He will also make his debut at the US PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club later this month, with places on offer for the leading three in the Asian Swing Rankings.
"Well it has been very consistent, the last three or four weeks, playing really well," Söderberg said. "Right now, it hurts a little bit not coming out on top here, but I've been playing really good golf for the last four events.
"Yeah absolutely (it gives me confidence). I know the game is there, I just need to hit a few better shots towards the end sometimes. But you play to win."
Speaking about his upcoming trip to the United States, he added: "I will try to get there fairly early, get there three or four days early. I'm sure I will get a practice round with one or two other Swedes, hopefully, and take it from there."
How many wins @adrianotaegui ? 🖐️#VolvoChinaOpen pic.twitter.com/zStUwuS7n5
— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) May 5, 2024
Söderberg finished at the summit with 745 points, a distant 127.5 points ahead of Japan's Keita Nakajima, who did not play in China.
Otaegui's flawless final round of 65 secured the fifth DP World Tour title of his career but it also saw him sneak into third place in the Asian Swing Rankings, pipping Sweden's Jesper Svensson by just 16.9 points to seal his place at the second Major Championship of the season.
"Well, that's very good news. Playing some Majors this year was a big goal for me," the Spaniard said.
"So that's very good news that I will be in the US PGA in two weeks, it will be just enough time to rest a little bit at home next week and then head to America."
