Ding in Contention as Liu Claims Half-Way Lead

Shenzhen, China: Guangdong’s Liu Yue used local knowledge to produce a second round 69 (-3) and claim the half-way lead at the 27th Volvo China Open.

Playing on his home course, the 21-year-old carded six birdies to move to five-under-par at the Genzon Golf Club and goes into the weekend with a two-shot cushion over Liang Enqi and Fan Shiyu, who are tied for second.

Overnight co-leader Ding Wenyi and Hong Kong’s Jason Hak Shun-yat are a shot further adrift in joint fourth on two-under with just nine players under par after the opening two rounds.

Ding, the highly-rated 17-year-old amateur, struggled to build on his early advantage and returned a 73 in blustery conditions. However, he remains firmly in contention.

Tournament leader Liu, who turned professional two years ago, was an early starter and set the pace over a course he knows very well having grown up learning the game at the Genzon Golf Academy.

Born in Dongguan in the host province of Guangdong, Liu was solid off the tee and rolled in some key putts in what is the final event of the year on the China Tour.

He will tee off tomorrow in the hunt for the biggest win of his career after enjoying success earlier this season with a top-three finish at the Lanhai Classic.

The best round of day two came from 2019 Volvo China Open Amateur Qualifying Champion Liang Enqi who carded a five-under par 67 to move into a share of second place on three-under alongside compatriot Fan, whose round of 70 included 17 pars and one eagle.

“I’m 100 per cent happy with my performance, especially no dropped shots in that wind,” said 28-year-old Fan, who owned a golf simulator club before turning professional in 2016.

“To be fair though, the wind certainly helped me with the eagle on nine! As this is the last event of the year, I’ll be doing my best to finish as high up the ranking as possible.”

Jason Hak, who currently sits second on the China Tour Prize Money Ranking List, added a 69 to his opening-day 73 to move alongside Ding on two-under with 36 holes to play.

Ranking leader Zhang Huilin shot a level par 72 to stay on three-over par and tied in 20th position. The player who ends the season at the top of the 2020-2021 Ranking List will receive full playing rights for the 2022 DP World Tour.

It was a disappointing day for two-time DP World Tour winner Li Haotong whose second round 75 included two double-bogeys to leave him in a tie for 11th place, six shots off the pace on one-over.

With the cut made at nine-over, 61 players will compete over the final two rounds.