Golf drama unfolded at Enhance Anting Golf Club in Shanghai on the Chinese mainland as 2016 champion Li Haotong and in-form Spaniard Eugenio Lopez-Chacarra each carded a 2-under 69, remaining deadlocked at 12-under after Round 3 of the Volvo China Open.
Li, China's top-ranked golfer, raced out of the gate with three birdies in his opening eight holes to reach 13-under. He hit turbulence with bogeys at the par-5 10th and 12th but rallied to finish his day in even par over the last six holes, signing for his second straight 69.
Lopez-Chacarra matched Li shot for shot, sinking a clutch birdie putt on the 14th to keep pace. His steady play on bentgrass greens has been a highlight of this season, and his 12-under total sets the stage for a Sunday showdown.
Thailand's Kiradech Aphibarnrat surged into third with a 6-under 65, while Finland's Tapio Pulkkanen, who led or shared the lead through the first two rounds, shot an even-par 71 to slip into a tie for fourth alongside China's Dou Zecheng and Germany's Yannik Paul at 8-under.
Top standings after Round 3:
- 12-under: Li Haotong (CHN) & Eugenio Lopez-Chacarra (ESP)
- 10-under: Kiradech Aphibarnrat (THA)
- 8-under: Tapio Pulkkanen (FIN), Dou Zecheng (CHN), Yannik Paul (GER)
With a $2.55 million purse on the line, Li and Lopez-Chacarra tee off together in the final round on Sunday, eyeing a breakthrough win as the world watches. Expect fireworks as the title hangs in the balance.
Reference(s):
Li Haotong, Chacarra remain tied atop leaderboard at Volvo China Open
cgtn.com
