Chinese schoolboy, 12, breaks European Tour record in China
Last Updated: March 20, 2013 12:00pm
A 12-year-old Chinese schoolboy has become the youngest player to qualify for a European Tour event.
Ye Wocheng survived a late wobble to grab a place at the Volvo China Open.
Ye's two round two-under-par total of 142 at the Western China qualifier earned him a spot at European and OneAsia Tour event which starts on May 2.
He will break the record of his compatriot Guan Tianlang, who competed last year at the age of 13.
The amateur lives in the industrial city of Donggaun in Guangdong province and is a member of the local Hillview Golf Club.
His proud father was caddying for him as he belied his age and lack of experience to claim one of the three places on offer - though only after late drama.
Pressure
After shooting an opening four-under 68 on Tuesday, Ye raced to the turn in his second round leading the field on seven-under after four birdies.
Then the pressure began to tell on a tumultuous back nine. He dropped shots at 11 and 14 - but then calmed down and rallied with a birdie at the 15th.
Then there was more drama at the par five 16th where he appeared to be having a complete meltdown - carding an eight.
But his opening 27 holes had, however, provided a cushion and he could even afford to drop another shot on the last hole and claim the third and final place with two shots to spare.
Eighteen-year-old Li Xinyang and Jin Da Xing finished joint first on five-under 139 at the Wolong Valley Country Club with no other player finishing under par.
The 19th China Open will take place at the Tianjin Binhai Lake Golf Club in north-east China.
