Colsaerts wins China Open by four shots, sets record

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CHENGDU, China (AP) -- Nicolas Colsaerts set a tournament record at the China Open on Sunday, totaling 24 under to win by four shots from a group of four players.

The Belgian, who only regained his European Tour card last year, made six birdies in a 6-under 66 to total 264 and beat the old mark by five strokes.

"I have been waiting a long time for this and so I am pleased I won in such a good way," Colsaerts said. "A lot of people expected me to win a lot of events but it has not been that easy. It has been a hell of a journey."

The previous record was held by Prayad Marksaeng of Thailand and Ed Fryatt of England, who both totaled 19 under to win the tournament in 1996 and 1998, respectively.

Colsaerts is only the second Belgian to win on the European Tour, after Philippe Toussaint's victory at the Benson & Hedges International in 1974.

Pablo Martin of Spain (63), Peter Lawrie of Ireland (68), Soren Kjeldsen of Denmark (66) and Danny Lee of New Zealand (65) were next at Luxehills International Country Club in the southwestern city of Chengdu.

Former Ryder Cup star Sergio Garcia (69) was at 274.