Staff WriterIn a dramatic twist at the Volvo China Open, Eugenio Chacarra and Haotong Li head into the final round locked together atop the leaderboard.
Both fired two‑under 69s on Saturday at Enhance Anting Golf Club to sit 12 under, one stroke clear of Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat heading into Sunday’s showdown.
Day Three Drama
Li, a former champion here in 2016, was in cruise control early—reaching 13 under with three birdies on his front nine—before encountering trouble on the back.
Chacarra, meanwhile, battled a sore thumb but refused to let it slow him down, trading early pars for a late‑round flourish.
Li’s Rollercoaster Round
The 29‑year‑old Chinese star carded six birdies and an eagle on his way to 69, but hiccups at the 10th and 12th left him reflecting on what might have been. He remained upbeat about his chances:
“Definitely not my best today. I played solid on the front nine, somehow on the back nine my irons went super far. I didn’t expect that. But glad I still have a chance to compete on Sunday.
“So far, so good. I really enjoy the support from the crowd. I know everyone is coming for me and rooting for me. Hopefully I can deliver something special tomorrow.
“It was a strange day. I felt everything was going my way until number ten. I went to a wrong spot and tried to be cute. I lost some momentum. I’ll play better tomorrow.
“I’ve already mentally prepared for tomorrow, so hopefully tomorrow it will be just like Sunday in Qatar. I just play my game. If I play my best golf, no one else can catch me.”
Chacarra’s Gritty Response
Spain’s Chacarra, fresh off his maiden DP World Tour title at the Hero Indian Open, countered Li’s early fireworks with birdies at 4 and 13–14, despite nursing a thumb injury sustained in round two. His composed 69 leaves him with everything to play for.
Aphibarnrat’s Surge
Aphibarnrat lurks in third at 11 under after a blistering 65, while Zecheng Dou, Germany’s Yannik Paul and Finland’s Tapio Pulkkanen share fourth on ten under.
With so many contenders in striking distance, the Volvo China Open finale promises edge‑of‑your‑seat drama.
Sunday’s Showdown
As the sun rises over Shanghai, Li and Chacarra will tee off shoulder‑to‑shoulder, each vying for a second national open title on the 2025 Race to Dubai.
One shot will separate them from glory—but at the Volvo China Open, anything can happen. Stay tuned for what could be one of the season’s most thrilling climaxes.
