Lin smiles his way into Hong Kong history

Lin, Rory McIlroy and Italy’s Francesco Molinari contested the play-off, the first in Hong Kong since 1994, after all three players finished at a total of 15-under 265 after regulation play.

Lin had a chance to win the Hong Kong crown at the 72nd hole, but wasted a brilliant approach shot when he missed a five-foot birdie putt for victory. He then seemed out of contention on the first extra hole, finding himself deep in the trees from the tee. However, he fashioned an amazing recovery to make a remarkable birdie, a score matched by McIlroy.

With Molinari out of the race after his par-four, Lin nailed his drive at the second play-off hole, with McIlroy this time finding the trees. However, the Northern Irishman responded with his own extraordinary recovery to 12 feet. Lin then knocked his approach to just two inches from the hole to secure the win and a cheque for $US416,660.

Although Lin was the day’s big winner, the event was also a clear triumph for UBS. Branded television coverage that reached Asia and Europe was maximised throughout the region when the stunning play-off extended 30 minutes beyond the regular broadcasting period.

That was supported by a unique UBS Postgame Show, a 30-minute daily wrap that screened in the United States after each day’s play on The Golf Channel and by print news and pictorial coverage that blanketed Asia Pacific.

The tournament also provided a framework of outstanding experiences for the businesses, ranging from the jam-packed UBS Pavilion that featured first-class dining and service, plus exclusive interviews with players such as Nick Faldo and Liang Wen-chong.

In addition, multiple playing experiences through Pro-Ams, Am-Ams and the ‘Day With a Legend’ with Nick Faldo, private dinners and exclusive teaching clinics added another element to a week of unique experiences.

Lin, 34, became the first Asian player to win the tournament since Korea’s Kang Wook-soon 10 years ago. His victory capped the 50th edition of the ‘heritage tournament of Asian golf’ in superb fashion, as the inaugural champion in 1959 was another Chinese Taipei player, Lu Liang-huan.

“I can’t describe my feelings,” said an emotional Lin. “All I can do is use my smile to say thank you to you all. I'm very excited because I've been waiting to win a tournament like this for a long time.

“I waited eight years until 2006 to win my first Asian Tour title and now I’ve won my first European Tour title, so I’m very happy. I've always said that the trophy goes to the most well prepared player and I've been very well prepared this week.”

The leading trio finished two strokes clear of Spain’s Pablo Larrazábal (67) and Thailand’s Chawalit Plaphol (65) who both ended the tournament on 13-under 267. Five players were a stroke further back at 12-under 268, including German veteran Bernhard Langer (69) and overnight leader Oliver Wilson (71).