He Shao-cai shot a bogey-free round of 69 to cruise to victory in the Wolong Valley Qualifier in Chengdu, the third of four qualifying events for the 20th edition of the Volvo China Open.
The diminutive Kunming native, who was third overnight, took control of the event after posting a birdie three on the opening hole, and then followed that with further birdies on holes three and five.
“I tried to attack the pins on the front nine today, and when I reached six under par I decided to change tactics and simply try to make par on each hole,” said He, 30.
“I’m pleased to say that it worked out well, as I made par all the way in. I’ve now qualified for Volvo China Open three years in a row, and I must say that the Volvo qualifiers have been a place of great happiness for me.”
Zhou Guo-wu finished alone at five under par in second place after a round of 68 that included six birdies. The only blemish on Zhou’s card came at the short par-four sixth hole when he found the water off the tee to record a double bogey.
“Apart from the sixth hole I drove the ball very well today,” said 23-year-old Zhou, who comes from Zhongshan in Guangdong province. “I putted very well today, which is why I made six birdies.
“I qualified at Lion Lake in 2012, which was the first time I played in the Volvo qualifiers, so to make it through again this year is very rewarding indeed, and being Cantonese I’m really looking forward to playing my second Volvo China Open in Shenzhen.”
Beijing native Wang Xu took the third and final qualifying spot with a round of 70, which included four birdies and two bogeys.
“I felt quite nervous today because my name was on the leaderboard, and I was trying very hard to make sure it stayed there,” said 31-year-old Wang.
“This gave me a lot of pressure because I tied for fourth here last year and just lost out on one of the three qualifying spots – it’s not easy to qualify because there are so many good players in the field.
“I will now go back to Beijing and rest for two weeks and spend some time with my parents. I will then fly to Shenzhen and practice at Genzon because the golf club management has been very generous in helping Chinese players who qualify with free golf and accommodation. My wife promised me that she would caddie for me if I qualified for the Volvo China Open, so I now have to buy two air tickets!”
Ye Wo-cheng just lost out on finishing as the leading amateur after a round of 72 left him two shots adrift of Li Jian-kang, who finished with a total score of 143.
The last qualifying event will take place at Nanshan International Golf Club from April 7-9.
The 20th Volvo China Open takes place from April 24-27 at Genzon Golf Club in Shenzhen, Southern China. This will be the 82nd Volvo-sponsored tournament on The European Tour. The prize fund of RMB 20 million includes a winner’s cheque of RMB 3.3 million.
Together with the China Golf Association, Volvo is organising the event, which is co-sanctioned by the European Tour and OneAsia.
