Justin Rose thrilled by Hong Kong Open win

• Englishman seals victory over Bjerregaard
• Win pushes him to fourth in Race To Dubai
• “I’m looking forward to next few weeks”

Justin Rose declared himself as ‘delighted’ after winning the UBS Hong Kong Open.

The Englishman won the final regular tournament of the European Tour season by one shot after holding off Lucas Bjerregaard on a tense final day at the Hong Kong Golf Club.

The pair had been neck-and-neck for two days, coming into the final day with a share of the lead and they still could not be separated as they stood on the 12th tee on Sunday.

“I kept my nose in front right at the end so I’m delighted” – Justin Rose

However, a double-bogey from Bjerregaard on the 14th proved crucial and Rose came home in 34 to get to 17-under and win a European Tour title for the fourth season in a row.

“It really turned into a bit of a head-to-head battle with myself and Lucas,” said the 35-year-old. “Pretty much for 36 holes, it was me and him going head-to-head. It was tight the whole day. He was ahead, I was ahead, he was ahead. But I kept my nose in front right at the end, so I’m delighted.”

CONTINUES BELOW…

The victory lifts Rose to fourth on the Race To Dubai behind only Rory McIlroy, Danny Willett and Louis Oosthuizen with the first of the four Final Series events taking place in Turkey this week. The 2013 US Open champion admitted he is desperate to push on from here and finish the season as the European Tour’s No.1 for the second time in his career

“Dubai, especially, is a tournament I’ve played well at in the past,” he said. “I’ve had a couple second-place finishes there. I’d love to break that duck, as well. And if you win in Dubai, you’ve got a great opportunity to wrap things up, so I’m looking forward to the next few weeks.”

At the opposite end of the standings, Scotland’s Craig Lee finished in a tie for 42nd to earn himself just under €10,000 and make certain of retaining his European Tour card for next season. There was less good news, however, for his compatriot Chris Doak who missed the cut and will now have to go through Tour School to regain his playing privileges.

Justin Rose :: Will he win the Race To Dubai?

Victory in Hong Kong has pushed Justin Rose to fourth in the Race To Dubai. But who do you think will win the European Tour’s richest prize this season? Leave your thoughts in our ‘Comments’ section below.

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Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Deputy Editor

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