Max makes the most of bad weather

It was only a matter of time.

After six top-10 finishes, including four top-fives, American Max McGreevy finally lifted his first trophy in China after being declared the 36-hole champion at the weather-affected Guangzhou Open.

Although considered an unofficial victory, the prize money is very much real, with McGreevy's 288,000 yuan ($42,000) top prize moving him to first place on the order of merit with five events remaining.

Stormy weather wreaked havoc with the scheduling all weekend, with officials first reducing the tournament to 54 holes, then chopping it to just two rounds as the threat of lightning loomed on Sunday.

That turned out well for McGreevy, who backed an opening 7-under 62 with a 67 on Saturday to hold a two-shot overnight lead over fellow American Trevor Sluman, who still had four holes remaining in his second round.

On Sunday morning, Sluman began with a bogey on his restart on No 6 but closed with a birdie on 9 to finish at 7-under.

He didn't know it at the time, but that birdie would end up securing a solo second-place finish, one shot ahead of six players tied for third who all completed their rounds on Saturday.

McGreevy said it wasn't the ideal way to earn his first PGA Tour-affiliated victory, but the 24-year old was still delighted to come out of a difficult week on top.

"I'm a little upset that we didn't get more rounds in, but it ended up how it is and I can't do anything about it. It's unfortunate, and I would have liked to play against all these guys. It would have been a really good test," he said.

"I was trying to get to the top after two rounds just in case something like this happened. It's lucky for me but stinks for everybody else. I've also been in their position, but I'm happy to finally be able to lift the trophy."

McGreevy became the third player from the University of Oklahoma to win in China since 2016.

Luke Kwon won the Qinhuangdao Championship earlier this year and Charlie Saxon, the tour's all-time money-list leader, won twice in 2016 and twice in 2018, and now plays on the Korn Ferry Tour.

McGreevy and Saxon are currently roommates in Dallas, Texas, and McGreevy is hoping to return to the Korn Ferry Tour and play alongside Saxon next season.

"The goal is definitely to stay No 1 on the order of merit. I only had it for one week in Suzhou, but I've played good all year and hopefully I can keep it up and keep the No 1 spot for the rest of the year," said McGreevy, who moved atop the list after finishing third at the Nantong Championship.

"I'm excited to see what happens, but it's going to be challenging. These other guys are playing well, so hopefully I can hold another trophy at the end of the year."

For Sluman and the other players chasing, it was frustrating not being able to compete for the title on Sunday.

However, Sluman is looking at the positives－especially his second-place position on the money list, just over 100,000 yuan behind McGreevy.

"Max played great, so he deserves the win. The lowest man won the tournament, and 36 holes is what defined that this week," said Sluman.

"I'm pleased with a solo second, and it's my second one this year. All that helps towards the total prize money for the end of the year," added the 26-year-old from Rochester, New York, who finished ninth on last year's order of merit.