Fanling member Stewart, a former Asian Tour regular who has been in a rich vein of form over the past 18 months, birdied the final hole to post a two-round total of 143 (one-under-par) to sneak into the prestigious event, which will be held at Genzon Golf Club in Shenzhen between 24-27 April.
Taiwan’s Mou Chung-ho took the first qualifying berth after his total of 139, with Daniel Woltman (141) of the USA in second.
Stewart admitted he was both relieved and excited to steal the last qualifying spot, having lost out in a play-off on two previous occasions when the international qualifier was held in Hong Kong. He sat comfortably in third place until he reached the tricky par-3 16th when he made his first bogey of the day. Stewart then compounded his problems when he made another bogey on the following hole, but knowing he needed a birdie on the last, he played three magnificent shots to the par-5 18th and holed a six-foot birdie putt to avoid a play-off.
"I was really happy to finish with a birdie, as saw the leader board near the 17th green so I knew I had to make one to qualify," said Stewart. "I really didn’t want to endure another play off having lost out twice before so I was thrilled to make that birdie and qualify for the Volvo China Open."
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