Levy among leading quartet at China Open

AlexanderLevy - Cropped

Defending champion Alexander Levy shares the lead of the China Open going into Sunday's play along with David Howell, Li Hao-tong and Wu Ashun on eight-under par.

Howell finished on 68 while Li and Wu each carded three-under rounds of 69 to give them a shot at glory in Shanghai, although three bogeys cost Levy an outright lead as he targets a third European Tour title.

Overnight leader Julien Quesne endured an error-strewn day - double bogeying before and after the turn on his way to a four-over 76.

Howell was among those to take advantage as the Englishman moved up nine places, having birdied three of his first four holes on the way home.

"It was a very nice day for me," Howell told the European Tour website.

"I felt like there was a score to be had out there and I adapted to the conditions much better than I did yesterday, when I struggled with the comparative softness of the course. I knew what to expect today and took advantage.

"I really got it going nicely around the turn. I had a few chances early on which I didn't take but I managed to stay patient and eventually the birdies came."

Home favourites Li and Wu both moved up three places with the latter almost picking up a further shot at 15 when his chip for birdie nestled on the lip.

Levy was left to rue a disappointing back nine as he failed to build on early momentum that saw him birdie his first four holes including a 60-foot putt at the third.

However, three bogeys followed that strong start, meaning Levy has work to do if he is to become the first player to defend the China Open title.

Sweden's Magnus A Carlsson is one of four players behind the leading pack in tied-fifth having shot a seven-under 65 - level with the competition's best so far.

Carlsson joins Seve Benson, Prom Meesawat and Richie Ramsay in the chasing pack on six under for the tournament.

Author(s)