'Smarter' Justin Rose comes out on top of the class in Hong Kong
Former US Open winner takes the title by a single stroke for his first victory at Fanling
Justin Rose had been saying all week leading into the US$2 million UBS Hong Kong Open that he had done his homework in terms of the course at Fanling and the conditions.
The English world number seven then came out on Sunday and redeemed himself for missing the cut in Hong Kong in 2011, keeping his cool in the heat of battle as he outfought – and outthought – Denmark’s Lucas Bjerregaard to hold on for a one-stroke victory in the event, co-sanctioned by the European and Asian Tours.
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“Smarter club selection, smarter shot selection,” was how Rose summed up the effort, after signing for a two-under 68 for a four-round 17-under 263 and earning a cheque for US$333,330.
Absolutely delighted to come out on top today. Pretty much for the last 36 holes it was Lucas and I going head to head but I kept my nose in front
There was a little jig - resembling a chicken - and a smile towards his caddie after his conservative eight-foot putt came up short on the last hole. The bogey was still enough to consign Bjerregaard to second after his final-round 69 left him at 16-under 264.