HONG KONG: Unheralded Australian Sam Brazel has birdied the 18th hole to narrowly edge Rafa Cabrera-Bello and win the Hong Kong Open, his first title on the European Tour.
Ranked 480th in the world, the Lismore-born Brazel plays on the Asian Tour and had never had a top-10 European Tour finish before.
The win gives him automatic entry into European Tour events for the next two years. He also took home $442,128 for winning the event.
"I'd love to come over to Europe. It would be a great privilege," an emotional Brazel said.
Cause for celebration: Brazel revels in his maiden win.Credit: KIN CHEUNG
"It feels amazing. I'm speechless. What a win. I feel very privileged to be playing here first of all and then ecstatic to win. As far as where this takes me obviously, I might be playing a few more events in Europe next year and we'll see where that takes me.
"It's been a long time coming. I've been playing good but it's been a bit of a struggle with the old irons but I got set up with a new set of clubs, and it's all sort of turned around. This is the fruit.
"I wouldn't say I got the shot into the last straight out of the middle but I'm pretty stoked where it finished, I'll tell you."
The 37-year old journeyman tragically lost his partner to bacterial meningitis while on holiday in 2009. He broke down when thanking his family and friends for all the support he has received over the many hard years.
First title: World No. 480 Sam Brazel won the Hong Kong Open.Credit: Getty Images
"Thanks for all the support," he said, before his voice cracked and tears started to flow. "Many years ... It's been a bit of a tough ride, but we're here."
Brazel and Cabrera-Bello started the round level at 11 under, but the Australian sank three consecutive birdies on the back nine to take the lead, and then made his birdie putt on the final hole to nudge the Spaniard for the title.
"Rafa is a great fellow to play with. Plays very nicely. Got a great golf game; I think he got unlucky a couple of times," Brazel said.
"I didn't really feel like it was a battle between the two of us. I was just trying to have fun, I was trying to enjoy moment and enjoy the experience of it all."
Brazel shot a 68 for an overall total of 13-under 267, while Cabrera-Bello, who had a double bogey on the par-three eighth hole, shot a 69 and finished a stroke back.
"It's just a little disappointing today. I managed to start good again but then struggle half way through the front nine. Battled back really hard again, same as yesterday but then Sam just played a fantastic 18th hole," Cabrera-Bello said.
Andrew Dodt of Australia shot a final-round 66 to tie for third with Tommy Fleetwood of England (68), two shots off the leader.
US Masters champion Danny Willett finished sixth two further strokes behind.
David Lipsky of the US carded a 68 to finish in fourth place at 10 under for the tournament.
Defending champion and Rio Olympic Golf medallist Justin Rose tied for 36th spot with a final-round 69 for a 278 overall.
AP