Volvo China Open Qualifying scores: 1st round

Beijing-based pro Yang Bin battled strong winds and lightning fast greens to shoot a six-over-par 78 in the first round of the final qualifying competition for the Volvo China Open on Tuesday.

Going into tomorrow’s final round, Yang leads by one shot over amateur Dai Ning-wei and local pro Wang Xu in the race for the last three spots available in the US$2 million Volvo-sponsored showpiece next week.

Although there are a number of very talented players in the field, the tough conditions took their toll and scores skyrocketed, as players struggled to hold their approach shots on the very firm and very fast greens at the Beijing CBD International Golf Club.

“It was better out there than the practice round yesterday, but it was still very tough,” said Yang.

“I was quite surprised and very relieved when I came in and saw that I was actually leading with six over par,” he added.

Shenzhen-based Dai Ning-wei felt that the course played much longer than its 7,200 yards.

“For me, the wind direction today made virtually all of the long par fours unreachable in two,” Dai said.

“I’m not a long hitter, so that made it very difficult today, but I’m very pleased that I still have a chance. The last time I was involved in the Volvo China Open was not as a player, but as Zhang Lian-wei’s caddie in 2005. This time I would really love to make it in as a player,” admitted Dai.

The 42-year-old businessman has no ambition to turn pro and treasures his Volvo China Open caddying.

“Zhang Lian-wei is a good friend and it was an honour for me to caddie for him at Shenzhen Golf Club, especially as he got so close to winning. The experience will last forever in my memories and in my heart,” he added.

Only two shots behind the leading three players is Zhong Xiao-long, one of China’s leading women pros. Her seesaw round included two birdies, a double bogey and a triple bogey.

“I thought the wind would work to my advantage today,” she said.

“But it affected my swing and made me play worse and worse as the round progressed. The length of the course is not the problem, but tomorrow I just need to get my swing under control and then I’ll score much better,” added Zhong.

The leading three scores after the final round tomorrow will move to Shanghai Silport Golf Club next week where they will take on the might of the top players on the European and Asian Tours at the Volvo China Open.

Leading first round scores:

1 YANG Bing 78 +6

2 DAI Ning Wei (A) 79 +7

2 WANG Xu 79 +7

4 CAI Nan 80 +8

4 QING San Yong 80 +8

6 REN Qiang 81 +9

6 JIN Cheng De 81 +9

6 ZHONG Xiao Long (L) 81 +9

6 YANG Quan 81 +9

6 GAO Wei Yang 81 +9

6 YE Jian Feng(A) 81 +9

6 ZHOU Xu Bao (A) 81 +9

April 3, 2007

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