Martin Liu earns Open berth after amateur victory
Martin Liu Wai-ho held his nerve to clinch his maiden Mizuno Hong Kong Closed Amateur Championship – and with it a berth this year’s professional Hong Kong Open – after an accomplished performance at Fanling on Sunday.
Liu, 25, fired a final-round 71 to finish three shots ahead of second-placed Terrence Ng Shing-fung, 19, on a total of 281 (one-over-par) after a topsy-turvy day that saw the lead change hands multiple times.
The long-hitting Oliver Roberts, who headed the field after a sublime 66 in the morning, could only muster a 76 in the afternoon final round to share third alongside defending champion Max Wong Chen-kun, on 285.
“I really can’t describe it,” said Hong Kong Golf Club member Liu, a graduate of George Washington University.
“I was just trying to focus on my own game and get myself in a position to win ... I had no idea I had done it until the final putt dropped. I’ve come close before, so to win the event and earn a place in the Open is a truly great outcome.”
