A number of leading European Tour players will challenge for the Volvo China Open title at Topwin Golf and Country Club from April 27-30, including Thomas Bjørn, Thorjørn Olesen, Ross Fisher and Bernd Wiesberger.
Bjørn is no stranger to the Volvo China Open and in his most recent appearance in Tianjin in 2013 finished tied eighth behind eventual winner Brett Rumford, whilst in 2004, the first year the event became part of the European Tour International Schedule, he finished in second place behind Welshman Stephen Dodd.
The 46 year old Dane is without question the most successful golfer to emerge from the country of just over five million people, having claimed 15 European Tour titles since turning professional in 1993, with Olesen expected to feature on the leaderboard at Topwin.
With four European Tour titles to his name already, including the Turkish Airlines Open in November last year, Olesen will be out to impress his fellow compatriot and 2018 Ryder Cup captain Bjørn.
England’s Ross Fisher was close to lifting the Volvo China Open trophy at Shenzhen Golf Club in 2005 when he teed off in the final group on Sunday with fellow Englishmen Oliver Wilson.
While the pair battled each other for the prestigious title, Paul Casey was planning his own route to victory and posted a seven under par round of 65 to head the leaderboard, a score that was good enough to earn a play-off with Wilson, with Casey eventually winning the play-off and the victor’s golden jacket.
Fisher’s game has gone from strength to strength on the big stage, with his last three WGC events resulting in top ten finishes, including a sixth, third and fifth place finish respectively. He will compete in the Masters Tournament at Augusta National and given his recent good form, it would be no surprise if he becomes the proud owner of a Green Jacket on Sunday night.
Austria’s Bernd Wiesberger was in joint second place after two rounds at Topwin last year but saw his chance of victory disappear with a 73 on Saturday. His knowledge of the challenging Topwin course and his excellent play in recent competitions will once again see him ready to challenge for a fourth European Tour title.
