Bernd Wiesberger ends five-year wait with commanding China Open victory

Bernd Wiesberger ended a near five-year wait for DP World Tour success with a composed and hard-fought victory at the Volvo China Open, sealing a three-shot win at Enhance Anting Golf Club in Shanghai.

The 40-year-old Austrian, who began the final round just one shot off the lead, produced a closing 67 to finish on 19-under par and claim his ninth DP World Tour title – his first since the 2021 Made in HimmerLand.

In a final-round duel with overnight leader Adrian Otaegui, Wiesberger stayed within touching distance before a decisive stretch around the turn swung momentum his way. 

A pivotal chip-in birdie at the 10th sparked a three-birdie run in four holes, hauling him level and then into the lead by the 16th as Otaegui faltered with a costly dropped shot.

Otaegui’s challenge unravelled dramatically at the last, where a double bogey dropped him back to 16 under, leaving Wiesberger needing only a steady finish. 

Wiesberger duly two-putted for par on the 18th to secure victory after a 1,792-day wait.

Reflecting on his long road back to the winner’s enclosure, Wiesberger said: “It has been a tough couple of years. It’s been an unbelievable week. I played my heart out today. It wasn’t pretty at times, but I got it done. Adrian is a great competitor and had it under control. Something happened on my 10th hole that I can’t explain, and that's how golf goes sometimes. I’m super proud of sticking through hard times on the golf course lately. This is for everyone at home and I couldn't be happier.”

Beyond the immediate significance of the win, Wiesberger highlighted its importance for the next phase of his career: “I just know, everyone is watching a home, and is super excited right now. It changes my next couple years as well a little bit. It gets me into the Rolex Series events again, and that's huge for us out here, and it just makes it a lot easier over the next couple of years – play freely and get myself, hopefully, in the position to fight for number 10.”

Sweden’s Mikael Lindberg finished third at 14 under after a closing 67, with South Africa’s Shaun Norris fourth on 13 under. 

Germany’s Freddy Schott posted the lowest round of the day with a 64 to finish fifth, while France’s Tom Vaillant and England’s Nathan Kimsey shared sixth.

Defending champion Ashun Wu finished among a group one shot further back, reflecting positively on a week in front of home crowds as the tournament continues to underline its significance in developing Chinese golf.

Wiesberger’s win, however, was the defining storyline in Shanghai – a timely return to form, delivered under pressure, and sealed with the calm assurance of a player rediscovering winning habits on the DP World Tour.