Staff WriterAt the halfway mark of the Volvo China Open, Haotong Li stormed into contention with an eight-under-par 63, moving to ten under and sharing the lead as he hunts a second national title.
After an opening 69, the 29‑year‑old fired six birdies and an eagle in perfect morning conditions at Enhance Anting Golf Club.
Li’s Return to the Top
Li first announced himself on this very stage back in 2016, lifting his maiden DP World Tour trophy at the Volvo China Open.
Fast‑forward nine years, and fresh off his fourth victory at this season’s Commercial Bank Qatar Masters, he’s back where he belongs—right in the thick of things.
Haotong Li: “Everything seemed to go my way compared to yesterday. Just very pleased to see this result today.
“My putter was very hot today. I got a massively lucky break with my tee shot on the first, it could have been a double from there.
“(My approach game) was very important. The greens were very soft compared to yesterday. I was as aggressive as usual and got my reward. It was a lot calmer. Almost no wind until the last few holes. It was a super calm day.
“I believe everyone has high expectations of me, which is good. I enjoy that pressure and support. Hopefully I can bring some good stuff for the weekend.”
The Chase Pack
Hot on Li’s heels at ten under are two in‑form rivals:
- Eugenio Chacarra (Spain): Opened with a 67, featuring five birdies and a lone bogey. The recent Hero Indian Open winner rattled off four straight birdies from the fourth but winced after grazing his thumb in thick rough on 18.
- Tapio Pulkkanen (Finland): Overnight leader who birdied the par‑5 18th to post a one‑under‑par 70, finishing with four birdies and three bogeys.
Two strokes back in fourth sits Germany’s Jannik de Bruyn, who matched Li’s blistering pace with a six‑under 65. Three‑time Korn Ferry Tour winner Zecheng Dou also signed for 65 and lies fifth at seven under.
What’s Next?
As the Volvo China Open heads into the weekend, the leaderboard has never looked tighter.
Li will tee off early on Saturday, aiming to carry his blistering form forward and become the first home‑winner here since…well, since himself in 2016.
With Chacarra’s swagger and Pulkkanen’s steely nerves breathing down his neck, Anting promises fireworks over the final 36 holes.
Stay tuned: the chase for China’s crown is far from decided.
