Colsaerts cruises to first European Tour win

Colsaerts wins Volvo China Open

Nicolas Colsaerts captured his maiden European Tour title after a commanding four-shot victory at the Volvo China Open.

The big-hitting Belgian, who ranked first in driving distance with 316 yards this week, carded an error-free final round 66 around the Luxehills Country Club to finish 24 under par.

Spain's Pablo Martin, New Zealand's Danny Lee, Ireland's Peter Lawrie and Denmark's Søren Kjeldsen all tied for second place on 20 under par.

Having been built up as 'the next big thing' after breaking through as the second youngest European Tour Qualifying School graduate in 2000, Colsaerts finally realised his potential to become the first Belgian winner on the European Tour in 37 years - since Phillipe Touissant's feat in 1974.

The 28-year-old began the day with a slender one-shot advantage but soon stretched clear of the chasing pack with birdies at the first, third and seventh for an outward 33.

And it was not just his driving that was smoking hot, as Colsaerts poured in three birdies in the space of four holes from the 12th to wrap up the title.

Three closing pars later and Colsaerts was drenched in Belgian beer by his coaches and friends on the 18th green - and no doubt some well-deserved Easter Sunday Belgian chocolates will be devoured later.

“I’m enjoying every second of it,” he said.

“I’m dizzy - my head is going all over the place. I’ve been waiting for this for a very long time and I think I did it in the best of manners so I’m really delighted.

“I guess a lot of kids are going to look up to this victory. I actually know Touissant pretty well and I’m sure that he is very happy for me too.

“A lot of people were expecting big things of me and for me to win tournaments a long time before, so this means a lot."

Much of the last decade has been a struggle at the top level for Colsaerts, with just two top-three finishes on the European Tour - but he established himself last season by finishing 67th on The Race to Dubai.

This week's timely €350,946 winning cheque will give Colsaerts no such fears as he vaults his way into 10th place on the Race to Dubai standings.

"I lost my card, I got on Tour pretty young and didn't know know how to handle myself - the lowest point was 2008 and I had to get my life back together.

"It has been a hell of a journey looking back from when I was 18 and got on Tour. I didn't really have any idea of the level and how high you had to raise your game to play on Tour - but I never lost faith of getting where I am and I am glad I did it this way."