China Open: history-making Zhang Jienalin has a chance of making weekend after solid opener
- Zhang hits respectable three-over-par 75 on opening day as she becomes first woman to compete at the China Open
Zhang Jienalin will need a little bit of luck and maybe a tailwind if she is to realise her ambition of making the cut in the Volvo China Open tomorrow.
A three-over-par 75 has put the 24-year-old from Henan province on the cusp of qualification, however the cushion that would have given her an easier night’s sleep disappeared late in the round when she made a double bogey seven at the demanding 575-yard par-five 17th hole at Genzon Golf Club. Only the leading 50 scores and ties will win through to the weekend.
“I was two-over par standing on the ninth tee and I told my caddie, OK, it’s time we made a birdie,” said Zhang, who won a mixed event in Hangzhou in October. “I hit a really good drive and followed that with a solid three-wood to the bottom of the hill from where I hit a nine-iron to three feet.”
The birdie four settled Zhang down and she went on to make par at the next five holes before dropping a shot at the difficult 470-yard par-four 15th hole, which features a lake running from tee to green on the right hand side of the fairway. However Zhang bounced back with a birdie two on the par-three 16th before disaster struck one hole later.
“I hit a really nice drive and a good second shot on the 17th – I just made a mess of my approach shot, which went into the hazard,” said Zhang, who then made a solid par at the water-strewn closing hole to sign for a very respectable 75.
“I have to admit to being a little nervous when we started out today but I give myself 90 points out of 100,” she said with a smile. “When I arrived on the first tee this morning my playing partners jokingly said that the course was too long for me but they encouraged me to do well all the way round.
“My caddie has worked for me before so I hired him again for this event as I very much want to play all four rounds. We were going along quite nicely today and I absolutely loved the experience. I really hope that the Volvo China Open will provide wild card entries for women players again in the future.”
Zhang’s playing partners Huang Wenyi and Luo Xuewen finished on even par and one-under par respectively, so clearly she did not embarrass herself in their company.
Hong Kong’s wild card entries Yue Yin-ho and Wu Sho-wai shot 75 and 77 respectively and will also need a tailwind in tomorrow’s second round if they are to play on the weekend.
