Sebastian Söderberg’s impressive streak persists, sharing the Volvo China Open lead after a stellar bogey-free 63 alongside Romain Langasque.
Langasque, firing an early target at Hidden Grace Golf Club, soared with seven consecutive birdies, leading to a nine-under-par score. Söderberg’s own five-birdie stretch put him atop the leaderboard.
Home favourite Li Haotong trails closely, securing third place with an eight-birdie, bogey-free 64, much to the delight of local fans.
The Volvo China Open’s return to the Race to Dubai schedule, co-sanctioned with the Chinese Golf Association (CGA), marks a significant occasion after five years.
Söderberg aims for his third Major appearance, eyeing a spot in the US PGA Championship alongside the top three players on the Asian Swing Rankings.
Guido Migliozzi, Julien Guerrier, and Gordan Brixi share fourth place after impressive seven-under 65 rounds.
Sebastian Söderberg: “I was really solid off the tee today. I put myself in good positions, hit a lot of good wedge shots and I was also able to take advantage of the par-fives”.
“I have been working hard on my mental game over the last few years. I’ve tried to remain focused and patient out on the course and take it one shot at a time”.
“It would be really nice to come out on top and win the Asian Swing. This is the first Swing I have been in contention for.
There is a spot in the Major up for grabs this month so naturally you will always pay a little extra attention to that. I need to take each shot at a time and not get ahead of myself”.
“My schedule is looking pretty good right now in terms of the tournaments coming up but I’m trying not to think about that”.
The second round commences at 6:40 am local time, with Söderberg paired alongside Wu Ashun and Zander Lombard at 7:30 am.