Quesne holds slender lead in China Open

JulienQuesnecropped

Julien Quesne will take a one-shot lead into the third round of the China Open after carding a five-under-par 67 on Friday to go eight under for the tournament.

The world number 217 finished tied for fourth in the Shenzhen International last weekend and has maintained his impressive form at the Tomson Shanghai Pudong Golf Club.

Two-time European Tour winner Quesne made four birdies on the front nine and a further two after the turn, with the only blemish coming when he bogeyed the 17th.

The 34-year-old Frenchman has a slender advantage over compatriot Alexander Levy, who followed up his opening round of 69 with a 68 in a tournament that he won by four shots last year.

Levy was left to rue a double bogey at the 16th and a bogey at 17 that cost him the lead heading into the weekend.

American Peter Uihlein is also just a shot off the lead courtesy of an eagle at the 18th that ensured he match Quesne's round of 67.

David Howell, Bradley Dredge and Michael Hendry shared the lead after the first round, but have plenty of work to do over the weekend after disappointing rounds on Friday.

Howell is tied for 10th on four under after a par round of 72 following an opening 68, while Dredge was two over for the second round and Hendry one over to sit joint-13th.

Matteo Manassero and Shenzhen International champion Kiradech Aphibarnrat are among a cluster of six players tied for fourth place after they both went round in 68.

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