Wu Wei-jun earned a place in the field for the Volvo China Open after claiming a three-shot victory in the Shanghai Tianma Qualifer.
The 29 year old from Zhejiang province shot an impressive round of 68 to add to his opening round of 73.
“After six years of trying, I’ve finally won one of the three spots available for the Volvo China Open,” said a delighted Wu. “The key to my round today was solid putting – I holed some very good putts on the Tianma greens.”
After opening his round with a birdie, Wu then made par on the next five holes before birdies on the seventh, eighth and ninth holes took him into the outright lead, where he comfortably stayed for the rest of the round.
Kunming-based He Shao-cai is looking forward to his eighth appearance in the Volvo China Open after shooting a best-of-the-day round of 67 to finish alongside four other players on 145.
The 33 year old made birdie on the first extra hole of the ensuing play-off to secure his place at Tomson Golf Club next month.
“I just couldn’t get used to the cold weather yesterday,” said He. “It was a lot warmer today, so I was able to concentrate much better.”
Zhang Chang-lei secured the third and final qualifying spot after making a par on the first extra hole before notching a birdie on the second play-off hole to deny Liu Xin, who could only manage a par.
“I wasn’t nervous in the play-off as I’ve been through all this before,” said Shandong native Zhang, who also qualified in 2011 in Haining.
“I’m based in Shanghai and I’ve played this golf course many times before, so my local knowledge is good. I’ve played in the Volvo Open three times and very much enjoyed the experience. I’m looking forward to my fourth appearance, particularly in Shanghai – it will be truly special for me.”
There are now just two more qualifying events to take place – one in two weeks’ time at the Palm Island Resort, in East Shenzhen, the other a fortnight later over the Valley Course at Nanshan International Golf Club, in Shandong.
The 21st staging of the Volvo China Open takes place from April 23-26 at the Tomson Shanghai Pudong Golf Club. The tournament will again be co-sanctioned by The European Tour and OneAsia.
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