N Zealand's Campbell swings to HK Open victory
New Zealander Ben Campbell swung his way to victory at the Hong Kong Open on Sunday, beating major winner Cameron Smith by one stroke. The 635th-ranked Campbell sunk a four-under par 66 in a dramatic final round to finish 19-under. The overnight leader from Saturday, Phachara Khongwatmai from Thailand, was leading Smith by a shot, but a hit into the bushes on the 16th resulted in a double bogey, pushing him to second. Then a birdie by both Campbell and Khongwatmai on the 17th, put them into a three-way tie with Smith for a gripping final hole, where the Kiwi ultimately came out on top. Smith, the 2022 British Open champion, came in second, while Khongwatmai tied for third with Canadian Richard Lee. Marking his first title on the Asian Tour, Campbell said he was ecstatic with his victory, despite battling years of injury. "Probably about four months ago, I was probably really close to retiring actually. My body wasn't in a good way and I sort of had to re-change my whole transition from the top of my downswing," he said. "You play one or two rounds, and the old bad habits sort of kick in. I've had some good chances this year, and haven't been able to get over the line. Just using those, the old cliche, not making the same mistake twice." Andy Kwok, captain of Hong Kong Golf Club, said it's great to have the Hong Kong Open back after a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic. He said it is exciting to see many big names in the sport join the event.  "We [were] suspended for almost four years. It is the longest-running sporting event in Hong Kong, and one of the most well-liked event on the tour. We are all very excited to have the Hong Kong Open back for the 62nd time at Fanling Golf Course this year," he said. Many attendees who spoke to RTHK were also happy to see the event up and running again. "It's really well organised and it's good to see some really high-level golf," said a man surnamed Cooper, who is attending for the first time. A woman surnamed Deley was pleased with the large outdoor viewing area in the fan village. "I think there is a lot going on. Obviously they got the golf, but also a little fan area, which is really good. It's a good mixture, and good food and drinks."