Lowry second in Hong Kong while Grace wins the South African Open

Shane Lowry now goes to the Abu Dhabi Championship of the European Tour, where he is the defending champion

Open champion Shane Lowry enjoyed his best performance since the victory at Royal Portrush when the Irishman came in second at the Hong Kong Open.

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Lowry shot a six-under 64 to finish 13 under, four behind Wade Ormsby, who won for the second time in three years.

The Australian, 39, led from start to finish at the rescheduled event, which was moved from the December date due to civil unrest in Hong Kong.

Meanwhile, Branden Grace fired a nine-under-62 to win the South African Open.

It was Grace & # 39; s ninth European Tour victory, but his first since November 2017.

He finished 21 under, three zero from the overnight leader and fellow South African Louis Oosthuizen, whose last round 68 included a hole-in-one.

Grace also claimed one of three qualifying places available to non-e xempt players for The Open at Royal St George & # 39; s in July, along with Marcus Armitage of England, who finished third, and Jaco Ahlers from South Africa.