Soggy Victory

Aaron Rai of England led from the start to secure his maiden European Tour win at the Hong Kong Golf Club to become the 60th Champion of the HONMA Hong Kong Open. The 23-year-old from Wolverhampton felt right at home in the pouring rain as he held off fellow Englishman Matthew Fitzpatrick to secure a one-shot victory

Aaron Rai picked up the winner’s cheque for US$333,330

Although holding a six-shot lead after 54 holes, Aaron Rai had to defend strongly against an on-fire Matthew Fitzpatrick, who fired a six-under-par 64 for a four-round total of 264. The 23-year-old never actually surrendered the lead on Sunday but saw his overnight advantage cut to a single stroke by Fitzpatrick during a thrilling final-round battle in the pouring rain at Hong Kong Golf Club.

Five-time European Tour winner Fitzpatrick had fired seven birdies in his first 16 holes to mount a challenge on Rai. “Matt played incredible all day,” said Rai. “He had been putting so well and you don’t want to see that. It did give me a cushion down the 18, which is nice and it’s good to have as many shots as possible.”

Aaron Rai produced a course-record 61 at Fanling in the second round

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