Wu Ashun wins Kenya Open, Shubhankar Sharma finishes in T13

Wu Ashun played with remarkable poise to overcome a four stroke deficit, clinching victory with a blistering 65 in the final round

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Wu Ashun - European Tour - Getty Images

06 March 2022: Wu Ashun claimed his fourth DP World Tour title after an exemplary final round display saw him overcome a four-shot deficit and soar to a four-stroke victory at the Magical Kenya Open presented by Absa. With a fighting 69 in the final round, Shubhankar Sharma finished in T13 at 8-under with three other golfers.

The 36-year-old was already the most successful Chinese player in the Tour’s history, and his latest title is also one for the annals as he became the first Asian winner in the 55-year history of Kenya’s national open.

Wu began the day four shots back from leader Ewen Ferguson, but the Scot struggled right from the off and opened the door to a wave of title contenders throughout a thrilling day at Muthaiga Golf Club.

Despite a bogey at the second, Wu forced his way back into the mix and a run of four successive birdies from the seventh hole launched him into a two-stroke lead. Thereafter, he was composure personified and a birdie-birdie finish rounded off a six under 65 – his best round of the week – for a 16 under par winning total.

“It’s a very good feeling today to win this championship. It was very tough today, I played very well today and made seven birdies.

“After two rounds I told myself, if I can make five under every day on the weekend and finish 15 under, I think I’ll have a chance to win the tournament.

“Today I was four shots behind and still playing to my plan. Five under was my goal today and after ten holes I had a good felling, and I told myself I’ll keep playing and make a couple of birdies and it’s fine.

“My short game was good today also, I saved a couple of pars, my putting was good to make birdies on the 17th and 18th, which I’m happy about. I think a lot of Chinese people came to support me and I was happy to see them. It’s going to be a big celebration with my family here in Kenya with me, I’m so happy.”

Wu Ashun

Germany’s Hurly Long and Canadian Aaron Cockerill both enjoyed the best results of their DP World Tour careers, sharing second place with Thriston Lawrence of South Africa, winner of the season-opening Joburg Open, on ten under par.