Wu Ashun Photo: VCG

The 31st edition of the golf China Open concluded in Shanghai on Sunday, with Chinese veteran Wu Ashun tied for eighth to emerge as the best-performing domestic player.

Wu, the defending champion of the 2025 tournament and one of China's most accomplished golfers, finished nine shots behind the eventual winner. 

Austria's Bernd Wiesberger claimed the title with a 19-under total of 265 strokes. 

Among Chinese players competing for places on the national team heading toward the Asian Games, Peng Bo tied for 11th, Jin Zihao placed 19th, Ding Wenyi ended in 25th place.

The China Open, one of the prestigious men's professional tournaments held in China, is co-sanctioned by the China Tour and the European Tour. This year's event attracted a strong international field and offered valuable world ranking points to competitors. 

Tian Xiaojun, vice chairman of the China Golf Association, said the tournament provides an important competitive platform for Chinese players without requiring them to travel abroad.

"Chinese players don't have to compete overseas to earn world ranking points," Tian told reporters. "Though events such as the China Open, they can also earn significant global ranking points on home soil. It has played an important role in nurturing Chinese golfers and helping them move toward the international stage."

The significance of the event for Chinese golfers has been demonstrated before. Chinese star Li Haotong previously used a breakthrough victory at the China Open in 2016 to secure entry into the European Tour, a step that later helped him establish himself at the top level of professional golf.

China Open tournament chairperson Zhao Qin said the organizers are also building a development pathway for young golfers through a pyramid structure of competitions connected to the China Open.

"To accelerate the development of emerging players, the China Open features a dedicated junior tournament. The top finisher in that competition will receive a wildcard entry to the following year's China Open, allowing young golfers to gain early exposure to elite international competition," Zhao told the Global Times.

Zhao added that the long-term goal is to strengthen the tournament pyramid linking junior events, qualifying competitions and the China Open itself.

"At the same time, we aim to turn the China Open into a benchmark event and continuously improve the quality of players participating," she said. 

Beyond its competitive value, the tournament also serves as a platform for international sporting exchange.

According to Zhao, more than 100 of the 156 players in this year's field came from overseas, reflecting the global appeal of the event. 

Organizers also arranged interactive cultural activities for visiting players to help them experience the host city and Chinese culture.

"Foreign golfers come to China through this event and have the chance to experience Shanghai as well as the country. At the same time, Chinese golfers can compete against world-class players at home, which is a very valuable opportunity for them," Zhao noted.