Briliant Brazel sinks late birdie for dramatic win at UBS Hong Kong Open  12:00, 12/12/2016

HONG KONG – Sam Brazel of Australia pictured with the winner’s trophy on Sunday December 11, 2016, during the final round of the UBS Hong Kong Open at the Hong Kong Golf Club, Fanling, Hong Kong. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.

The 37-year-old Brazel showed nerves of steel under pressure to fire a final round of two-under-par 68 and lift his maiden Asian Tour title by one stroke with an aggregate of 13-under-par 267 at the Hong Kong Golf Club.

Brazel, who earned US$330,330 and finished seventh on the final Asian Tour Order of Merit, pipped playing partner and Ryder Cup star Rafa Cabrera Bello, who missed a long birdie attempt at the closing hole in the US$2 million tournament sanctioned by the Asian Tour, European Tour and Hong Kong Golf Association.

“I’m still in a little bit of a shock. There’s some seriously good names on that trophy and it’s great to be a part of it. There’s a lot of great history in this event and this venue. It feels amazing, I’m speechless. What a win. I don’t know how else to explain it. I feel privilege to be playing first of all and I feel ecstatic,” said a jubilant Brazel.

Andrew Dodt of Australia and England’s Tommy Fleetwood, who were in the thick of battle on a glorious Sunday afternoon, shared third place on 269 after a 68 and 66 respectively while Malaysia’s Danny Chia emerged as the top Asian in tied eighth place after a closing 67.

Tied with Cabrera Bello heading down the 18^th hole which is called “The Ultimate” and rated as one of the toughest in Asia, Brazel produced a stunning six iron approach shot to set up his winning birdie. Brazel was visibly emotional as he lifted the prestigious UBS Hong Kong Open trophy which was his first major win since turning professional in 2002. The Australian began the week ranked 480th on the Official World Golf Ranking but showed his poise, especially on the back nine with a hat-trick of birdies from the 11^th to 13^th hole getting him back into contention following two bogeys on his outward nine.

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