Michael Hoey finishes joint 25th in Shenzhen International

Michael Hoey has finished in a share for 25th place after a strong finish at the Shenzhen International in China.

The Belfast man followed Saturday's 68 with a three-under-par round of 69 to end up six behind Thailand's Kiradech Aphibarnrat who won after a play-off.

Hoey was buoyed by an eagle at the par-five ninth as he went out in 33 before coming home in a regulation 36.

Kiradech beat Chinese teenager Li Haotong in the play-off after both finished on 12 under par.

On the play-off hole, Kiradech hit his approach shot to the middle of the 18th green and made a birdie, while Li two-putted for par.

Li, 19, shot a five-under 67 in the final round, while Kiradech, the overnight leader, had a 72.

Hoey's finish should help improve his disappointing 118th position in the Race to Dubai standings.

He has won five European Tour events - most recently the 2013 Russian Open title - but has struggled for form so far in 2015 and before the Shenzhen tournament his best finish had been joint 31st at the Thailand Classic in February.