Li Haotong, 18, puts his name in lights at China Open
Young pro races up the leaderboard but Alexander Levy continues to dominate
Li Haotong gave Chinese fans plenty to cheer about as he put his name in lights at the 20 million yuan Volvo China Open today.
I am ready for whatever it throws at me tomorrow
The 18-year-old Hunan-born professional shot a five-under 67 to finish the third round at seven-under, in a tie for eighth place and nine shots off leader Alexander Levy as the Frenchman continued his hot form at the Genzon Golf Club.
“I am very happy and want to keep my name up on the leaderboard,” said Li, who turned pro at the tender age of 15.
“I have learned a lot in past three years, not only golf skills but how to treat it as a game and how to act as a professional.
“I am ready for whatever it throws at me tomorrow,” he said, stressing that he could cope with the pressure and expectations after matching the lowest round of the day.
Li, a prolific winner as an amateur, has a best finish of equal fifth at the New Zealand PGA Championship in Queenstown last year. He finished in a tie for 13th at the Indonesian PGA Championship last month.
Chinese number one Liang Wenchong (70-74-69) finished his third round at three-under and Wu Ashun (69-74-73) at par.