Third Time Lucky for Wu in China Junior Match Play

Chongqing, China: Teenager Wu Dianchao confirmed his place in the 2021 and 2022 Volvo China Open following a 5&4 victory over rising local star Zhou Yanhan in the boys' final of the Volvo China Junior Match Play Championship.

Runner-up three years ago, Wu was making his third appearance in the tournament and it was certainly a case of third time lucky for the 16-year-old from Guangdong, the fifth seed in the 32-player event at Sun Kingdom Sports Club.

“It’s the first time I’ve played against Zhou Yanhan who is a tough opponent and a great putter,” said Wu, who began the week 602nd in The R&A World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) and 17th among Chinese players.

He added: “I’m so pleased to have qualified for the Volvo China Open – I’ve waited such a long time for this. Throughout the tournament I followed my caddie’s advice, read the greens carefully, and controlled the strength and speed of the putts. I also listened to my coach’s advice and maintained a strong peace of mind.”

For 13-year-old runner-up Zhou – winner of the Volvo China Junior Challenge earlier in the week – it was a gruelling week. “I felt a lot of pressure (in the final) and I think that affected my performance,” he said, after his sixth round of golf in five days.

“Wu played aggressive golf and I could see the gaps in our technique and overall game. But I’ll go away and practice much harder in the future.”

In the girls’ competition, victory went to 14-year-old Ni Zixin from Wuhan who was making her debut in the Volvo China Junior Match Play Championship. She won two-up against fourth seed Ji Yuai, 210th in the WAGR.

“Ji Yuai is a much more experienced player and I’ve always admired her,” said the new girls’ champion and number two seed. “She has perfect technique, especially in her iron play. To be honest, I never thought I could win the championship but my driving and putting were key to me doing well and I’m delighted with that.”

Now in its 27th consecutive year, the Volvo China Open is the season finale of the 2021 China Tour and the longest-running professional golf tournament on the Chinese mainland.

It will take place from December 16-19 at the Shenzhen Genzon Golf Club with a total tournament prize-fund of RMB2 million.

After tournament play ends, the number one player on the China Tour money list will be revealed and will receive his playing card and full playing rights for the 2021-2022 European Tour.

The 2021 Volvo China Open is hosted by the China Golf Association, sponsored by Volvo Cars, promoted and operated by Teamfirst Management Ltd, and sanctioned by the China Tour.