Two Frenchmen & Uihlein in Contention at Volvo China Open


Julien Quesne followed up his opening 3-under 69 with a 67 to take a one-stroke lead over fellow Frenchman and defending champion Alex Levy and American Peter Uihlein at the Volvo China Open. The European Tour event got under Thursday at Tomson Shanghai Pudong Golf Club in Shanghai.

Quesne, a two-time winner in Europe, posted six birdies and a bogey to reach 8-under 136, a stroke clear of Uihlein, who also shot 67, and Levy (68).

"I played much better today, so that was the main reason for my good score," the 34-year-old Quesne told the European Tour's website. He finished tied for fourth in last week's Shenzhen International.

"I felt very comfortable and hardly missed any shots, so it was a very good day all round. My performance last week definitely helps build the confidence, so I felt good at the start of the week and I'm still feeling good now, but there's a long way to go.

"There are so many good golfers in France now, so it's logical that you see lots of French players up near the top of the leaderboard. I hope we can keep it going over the weekend."

Among the six players trailing Quesne by three in a tie for fourth at 139 is Thailand's Kiradech Aphibarnrat, who won the Shenzhen International last Sunday. The 25-year-old rebounded from an opening 71 with a 68 and is pleased where he's at heading into the final two rounds.

"I'm very happy, especially as it's playing tough - there are lots of slopes on the greens and the course is very firm," he said. "I'm not driving the ball as well as I did last week, but the rest of my game is in pretty good shape, especially my short game.

"I'm still feeling good; I've been getting lots of rest and eating well, so I'm feeling fine and ready to go. Mentally I'm still sharp and my confidence is high, so I just have to keep it up. My Mum is still here with me and she told me to keep going and win back to back, so hopefully I can do it for her. She's my good luck charm."

The 36-hole cut was set at 2-over 146.

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