Volvo China Open: amateur Ding Wenyi makes most of good weather to lead way in Shenzhen
- 17-year-old shoots 3-under 69 in first round at Genzon Golf Club to end day joint-leader alongside Liu Yanwei
- Ding says a better day off the tee could have seen him score even better
Chinese amateur champion Ding Wenyi picked up where he left off last year at the Volvo China Open, posting a first round 3-under par 69 for a share of the lead in Shenzhen on Thursday.
The talented 17-year-old from Beijing finished runner-up in 2020 behind China Tour Order of Merit leader Zhang Huilin, and has already tasted victory on the tour this season.
Despite struggling off the tee, Ding’s short game came to the rescue.
“I wasn’t satisfied with my tee shots today, however I made some really good putts,” he said. “I’m reading the greens much better this year, and if I’d driven the ball better I think I could have shot at least five under par.”
Ding, who won the China Amateur Open in both 2019 and 2020, made just one bogey in his first round, and should he go on to claim the title on Sunday night would become the first amateur winner of the prestigious event, which is now in its 27th year.
Liu Yanwei also took full advantage of the ideal weather conditions and local knowledge to shoot a 69 to join Ding at the top of the leader board.
