Haotong Li – Getty Images
Chinese golf’s number one male player, Li Haotong, has the lead at the WGC HSBC Championship in Shanghai, the 24 year old producing seven birdies and an eagle in his round of 64 to lead by one over France’s Victor Perez with Adam Scott, Sungjae Im, Matthew Fitzpatrick and Xander Schauffele another shot back and tied for 3rd.
Scott got within one of the lead before a bogey at the last but he has made an excellent start, just one short of his previous best opening round in the event when eventually finishing 8th in 2012.
Canberra’s, Matthew Millar, has taken advantage of the start he earned in the lucrative event via his position on the Australasian Tour’s money list last year by opening with a round of 69 to be tied for 14th, he too dropping a shot at the last but a fine start nonetheless.
Jake McLeod and Cameron Smith had rounds of 2 under 70, Scott Hend 75 and Daniel Nisbet 77.
With final Presidents Cup selections to be made early next week, several International Presidents Cup contenders have put up their hand for the consideration of Ernie Els.
Korean Sungjae Im at 6 under, Canadian Corey Conners at 5 under and Korean Byeong Hun An at 3 under have all staked a claim for final consideration.
