SHANGHAI, April 26 — China’s Wu Ashun shot a one-under par 71 today to break a logjam at the top of the leaderboard and secure an historic victory in the Volvo China Open in Shanghai.

Wu, who recorded a four-day total of 279, or nine under par, became the first Chinese player to win a European Tour event held in China, according to information provided by tournament organisers.

“It’s a wonderful day today,” the 29-year-old Wu said.

“It’s very special winning the China Open and it’s very exciting.”

England’s David Howell finished second in the US$3.2 million (RM11.4 million) tournament, shooting a final round 72 to finish at 280. 

The day was not without drama. Howell failed to make an eight-foot putt for par on the final hole that would have forced a playoff with Wu.

Alexander Levy of France, the defending champion, slipped to a one-over 73 and finished in a three-way tie for third at 281 with Emiliano Grillo of Argentina and Prom Meesawat of Thailand.

The tournament, which was played at the par-72 Tomson Shanghai Pudong Golf Club, is co-sanctioned by the European and OneAsia Tours. 

No one has managed to win it in consecutive years in its 21-year history. 

China’s Li Haotong shot a final-round 74 to finish a stroke behind Levy, Grillo and Meesawat at 282.

Wu, Howell, Levy and Li had started the day in a four-way tie for the lead.

The 19-year-old Li, regarded as a potential golfing superstar, won three times on the PGA China Tour in 2014.

The tournament was the 49th European Tour event played in China, according to the organisers. — AFP