CHINA'S Cheng Jun is on the verge of winning his first major title as a professional golfer in his home city, writes John Crean.
The 28-year-old shot a four-under-par 68 yesterday in the US$400,000 Volvo China Open in Beijing to set up a six-stroke lead over South Korea's Mo Joong-kyung and American Mike Cunning. They shot 69 and 72 respectively.
Cheng is on six-under-par 210 for the tournament, a specially approved event on the Omega Tour, and is loving the unusual experience of being out in front.
'I can feel the pressure but I am enjoying it - I am not scared,' said Cheng, who is originally from Beijing but who has been based at the Shenzhen Golf Club for most of his career.
'This is the kind of position that I have worked very hard to get into since I turned pro three years ago.
'Everything is right at the moment. I am hitting the ball really well and holing all the putts,' added Cheng, who is determined to emerge from the shadow of his more illustrious compatriot, Zhang Lianwei.
