Four Share Lead at Volvo China Open


Defending champion Alex Levy is tied for the lead heading into the final round of the Volvo China Open. The European Tour event is taking place at Tomson Shanghai Pudong Golf Club in Shanghai.

Levy got off to a rousing start, posting four straight birdies at the start of his round. But he could only muster three bogeys the rest of the way to enter Sunday at 8-under 208. Also at that number are England's David Howell (68) and two Chinese players, Li Hao-tong and Wu Ashun, who each carded 69s.

"It was the perfect start for me, but after that I got a little bit nervous, because I haven't played well for three months now so I haven't been in this position for a while," Levy told the European Tour's website.

"It's nice to be back at the top of the leaderboard, but I have to get used to it again. I'm just really happy to be playing some good golf again, that's more important than me worrying about winning the trophy again. I'll need to have a good round again tomorrow, but it's not easy on this course because you can't be too aggressive."

Howell, a five-time winner in Europe, had a good outing that listed five birdies and a bogey. "It was a very nice day for me," the 39-year-old said. "I felt like there was a score to be had out there, and I adapted to the conditions much better than I did yesterday, when I struggled with the comparative softness of the course.

"I knew what to expect today, and took advantage. I really got it going nicely around the turn. I had a few chances early on which I didn't take, but I managed to stay patient and eventually the birdies came."

The 19-year-old Li finished as the runner-up in last week's Shenzhen International in China behind Thailand's Kiradech Aphibarnrat. He and Wu are seeking to become the first Chinese player to win a European Tour event on home soil.

"I will just stick with my plan and play the best I can do out there without thinking about the finish," said Li.

Trailing by two are Scotland's Richie Ramsay (70), Thailand's Prom Meesawat (68), Sweden's Magnus A. Carlsson (65) and England's Seve Benson (66). Carlsson's 7-under score was the lowest of the day.

American Peter Uihlein began the day just a stroke behind 36-hole leader Julien Quesne but slipped down the leaderboard after a 76. Quesne also had a 76 and enters Sunday tied for 10th at 212.

For all the scores, visit http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/season=2015/tournamentid=2015030/leaderboard/index.html?showLeaderboard=Y.