Shanghai:
Zhang Lianwei posted a strong start in his campaign to win the title
he covets the most, when he shot a five-under-par 67 over Shanghai
Silport’s Championship layout to tie for the opening round
lead at the Volvo China Open.
Playing under cold and clear conditions, the China number one birdied
the final two holes to grab a share of the lead with the Filipino
pair of Danny Zarate and rookie Angelo Que, the two-time Philippine
amateur champion. Australian Adam Fraser and Taiwan’s Hong
Chia-yuh were one stroke off the pace after shooting a four-under
68. |
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ZHANG LIANWEI |
| Liang Wenchong maintained a strong showing
for China as he shot a three-under 69 to tie with American Scott
Taylor and Sweden’s Dennis Edlund. The China number two
was sitting at five under but bogeyed two of his last three holes.
Zhang (pictured) who is looking for his second Asian PGA title
of the year after beating a red-hot Ernie Els at the Singapore
Masters in January, said he had missed a few fairways with wayward
driving but had struck his irons well.
“This is the first time I am in the lead after the first
round of the Volvo China Open and it feels good. I started strongly
with two birdies and that got my round going,” he said.
“It’s a good start, so I’m hoping to maintain
my run. The course is in good shape but the key would be to stay
out of the rough.”
The Volvo China Open continues through to Sunday, November 16.
There is a daily shuttle from the Hua Ting Hotel from Xuhui District.
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