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Justin Rose pips Lucas Bjerregaard to victory in Hong Kong

American Patrick Reed was also part of the tie for third at 11-under 269, as was Soomin Lee and Jason Scrivener.

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England’s Matt Fitzpatrick is 16/1 to claim a second European Tour title after his win in the British Masters.

Earlier in the round, Bjerregaard looked to be the one on course for the win with three birdies on the front nine, the Dane finding himself two shots clear at the turn as a bogey at the ninth cancelled out Rose’s earlier gain.

The Englishman then birdied the 16th and could even afford a bogey at the last to secure victory as Bjerregaard was unable able to force his way back into contention after carding four straight pars following his blunder at the 14th.

“Lucas played incredible golf”, said Rose.

“My round boiled down to two eagles really and a couple of par saves, I got into trouble a couple of times but was able to salvage good par”. When you separate yourself from the field like we did, it’s probably a tough one for him to lose.

Starting the final day with a share of the lead alongside Bjerregaard, Rose triumphed in a dramatic finale in Fanling to win his first tournament since his success in the Zurich Classic of New Orleans in April. “I wanted to hang on to this one”, said Rose, the 2013 US Open champion whose last victory on the European Tour came at the 2014 Scottish Open. He finished with a 17 under par 263, which could see him bumped up to fifth in the world rankings.

Bjerregaard could only reflect on what could have been but took pride in his battling spirit all week at the UBS Hong Kong Open. “I actually didn’t know much about his game and he can really play”. But all in all, I’m happy the way I’ve played.

The last time Bjerregaard was in the final group in the fourth round was in December’s Alfred Dunhill Championship, when he collapsed to a closing 89 – including a back nine of 50 – to slump from second to 49th. I hit a bad tee shot on 18 there, pretty much my only bad shot of the day.

Ian Poulter started two shots behind leader Rose but carded a disappointing 3-over 73 to finish 11 shots off the pace.

“I was more nervous last night just thinking about going out and playing against him”.

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Sam Brazel and Andrew Dodt were the next best of the Australians when they tied for 18th.

Rose could even afford a bogey on the last finishing on 17 under par for his first European Tour victory on Asian soil
Tyrone Siu  Reuters