Overview
- Kota Kaneko won the Austrian Alpine Open to record his first DP World Tour title, finishing 18 under after a closing 67 to win by two strokes.
- Play was halted for 71 minutes by a lightning warning late in the final round and the delay preceded a crucial sequence in which Kaneko lipped out at 15 then holed a chip at the par-3 16th to regain the lead.
- Kaneko survived a nervy final hole when his tee shot hit the stands and stopped in rough near a water hazard, then saved par to secure the victory.
- He entered the week in strong form after topping last season's Japanese tour order of merit and a tie for second at the Soudal Open, and he led after three straight opening rounds of 65 at Kitzbuhel.
- The win boosts Kaneko's status on the DP World Tour, hands him European playing rights and adds momentum as the circuit moves to its next events, with Davis Bryant and Ricardo Gouveia finishing as joint runners-up and Andrew Johnston well back in a tie for 17th.