Shanghai: The annual Nordic Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament returned to Silport for a third consecutive year as the 68-man field featured players from Denmark, Norway, Finland and Sweden, in addition to their guests.

Tournament organizer Vesa Kalenius said the event was a good way to get people working in Nordic companies together with the various chamber of commerces and business councils from the aforementioned countries in an informal, relaxed setting.

Kalenius said there was close to 2,000 people from Nordic countries in Shanghai and the surrounding areas, working for such industries as telecom, pulp and paper, banking and transport, among others.

He added golf was getting more popular in these countries with 100,000 registered players in his native Finland. “In Sweden, with the success of players such as Annika Sorenstam and Jesper Parnevik, there are seven or eight times the amount of players we have.”

Playing on the Center and East courses under sunny conditions, Fredrik Karnsby topped the field when the Swede shot a 12-over 84. Cheung Euy Suk won the low nett when the 25.2 handicap carded a 95 for a score of nett 69.8.

Other prizes saw Pal Andresen capture the nearest-the-pin award on the Center Course 8th hole, while Claus Nicolajsen win the longest drive with a blast of his 2-iron on the East Course 8th hole.